Wine: Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi

Country: USA

Region: California

Designation: Lodi

Producer: Ravenswood

Grape Varietal: Zinfandel

ABV: 14.5%

Type: Red

Code: 2735

Tasting Note

This Zinfandel opens with appealing notes of juicy wild blackberry, blueberry, black cherry and plum at the forefront. Hints of mocha, dark chocolate, vanilla and clove add wonderful depth, finishing with a 

refreshing burst of dry pomegranate characteristics.

Producer

Established in 1976, Ravenswood was one of the first on the scene to focus their winemaking efforts to the production of classically big & bold Zinfandel from Lodi and Sonoma County and bring it to the world stage. Ravenswood was founded by Joel Peterson, who is dubbed the ‘Godfather of Zin'. The best wines come from old, pre-Prohibition vines - dry-farmed & low-production. Ravenswood strives to honor these venerable vineyards with soulful wines that are representative of place, person & period in time.

Winemaking

This Zinfandel was harvested from select old-vine Lodi vineyards known for their rich, concentrated flavors and structure. Grapes are cold soaked prior to a warm fermentation to maximize aromatic intensity and encourage fruit expression. The wine is then aged on a mix of French and American oak. Predominantly Zinfandel, a small amount of Petite Sirah and other select red varieties are incorporated into the final blend for added spice, structure and dark fruit notes.

Fun Fact

During his first vintage, three ravens taunted Joel Peterson from above as he loaded Zinfandel into 

his truck during a thunderstorm. Soon after, Joel saw a performance of the tragic opera of Lucia de Lammermoor, in which Lord Ravenswood loses everything and sinks into madness. Joel was a struggling, nearly broke, and sleep-deprived winemaker at the time so he named the winery Ravenswood to motivate himself. He also incorporated three ravens in the iconic bottle label,

Food pairing

Enjoy with rich and spicy dishes like marinated meat, pulled pork and chili dishes. Rich pasta, aged cheddar and hard cheeses.

Awards & Accolades

Vivino 4.1

92 points Natalie Maclean

“A spectacular Californian Zinfandel from one of the state's top producers. Aromas of cigar box, black plums, smoke and dark spice. Look for ripe strawberries, blue and blackberries with earthy and savoury spice flavours on the palate”

90 points Decanter

“Initially quite shy on the nose, blueberry and blackberry aromas start to emerge, encased in a velvety, smoky veneer. Flowing with cinnamon-dusted plums, violets, toast and sweet, vanilla-laced fruit, this is a powerful wine, large and imposing. Mouthfilling and viscous, but still managing to stay dry and long, the finish is speckled with dried blackberries, bitter nut skin and a bloody tang. From pre-Prohibition, dry-farmed, low-yielding vines.”