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the many zins of
ravenswood
Normally,
my column offers a grab bag of wines, a little something
from here, a little something from over there. But every
once in a while, one winery grabs me so tightly that
I cant see beyond its finely crafted charms. Tasting
through this years new releases from Sonoma Countys
Ravenswood Winery, I knew I was in the embrace of a
Zinfandel obsession. This month I bring you the
many zins of Ravenswood, perfect wines for warming up
a cold snap or sipping apres a good old fashioned leaf
jump.
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2004
Belloni Vineyard, Russian River Valley
Id call this one a woodsy wine. Aromas and flavors
are both earthy and fresh. But dont think youll
be tasting twigs, the wine also boasts tart cranberry
and blackberry flavors. A tiny catch of black pepper
at the back of the palate rounds out the fruit and
forest tango. Sex-y. $$$
2004 Barricia Vineyard, Sonoma Valley
Tinged with sweetness, this is one of those super
jammy, big, fun and - of course - alcoholic Zinfandels.
With just a hint of smoke, it cries out for BBQ, but
its big, fruity sweetness might make it just the match
for dessert. $$$
2004 Teldeschi, Dry Creek Vally
A stealth Zin in that classic Dry Creek style, Ravenswoods
Teldeschi offers blackberry bramble aromas and that
beautiful, open, red and black fruit flavor for which
the region is known. Ripe tannins and just a mere
hint of black pepper add to the character. Love it.
$$$
2004 Old Vine, Sonoma Valley
This is the big daddy of Ravenswood wines. Its complexity
eclipses most California Zins. With hints of cocoa
and ripe tannins playing with the classic cherry and
blackberry flavors, this is a great big bear of a
wine. Unfortunately, the finish disappoints a bit
for such a big, bad wine. $$$$
2004 Dickerson, Napa Valley
Like many Napa Zins, this tastes more like a Zin/Cab
blend than the kind of wines we have come to expect
from Sonoma soil. A lightweight, it is more food friendly
than many Zinfandels, with red cherry dominating the
aromas and flavors. $$$
2004 Big River, Alexander Valley
Great, soft tannins give the wine character without
bite. Aromas are very cherry cola, though the flavors
offer raspberry pie and just a hint of white pepper
on the tip of the tongue. $$$
$
under 15USD
$$ 15-25USD
$$$ 25-50USD
$$$$ over 50USD
return
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