Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood Winery in 1976 with a focus on Single Vineyard Zinfandel. Ravenswood was immensely successful and over time began producing in excess of a million cases per year. Once & Future is the return to the original vision Joel had for Ravenswood so many years ago – a small project specializing in wines from unique older vineyards. At present time Once & Future makes several Zins along with a Merlot, Mataro and Petite Sirah.
Bedrock Vineyard, formerly known as Madrone Ranch, was first planted in 1854. Senator George Hearst purchased the property in 1888 and planted most of the vines that exist to this day. Located in the Sonoma Valley the vineyard is also a fruit source for Turley, Robert Biale, Limerick Lane, Carlisle and Bedrock of course.
Crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. Sublime nose of red fruits, anise, cocoa and pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Packed with bright, exuberant fruits. Black cherry, raspberry, earth and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Stunning Zinfandel from a treasured vineyard. It is hard not to be excited by what Joel Peterson is doing here. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
I always hesitate to suggest yet another mailing list to my readers but I’ll make an exception here. Sign up soon as I suspect these wines will be hard to come by in the not so distant future. The next release should be in the coming weeks.