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. 14.6% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, peach and anise. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Charming Zinfandel with a sense of restraint. Perfect balance. Cherry, raspberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Really nice length on the finish. Absolutely delicious Zinfandel. Very approachable now but I’m sure this will age well. 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 2021 vintage set of wines was just released and I think Once & Future only releases wines once a year so the next release should be in early 2024.
Thank you for this note on my Bedrock Vineyard wine. I am glad that you enjoyed it. I like that you gave it a few years to come together. Thank you also for getting the history correct. :-)
Thanks Joel. I’m honored that you read Zinfandel Chronicles. Thank you!