Though its origins are Croatian, Zinfandel is arguably the most American grape varietal. Zinfandel made its way to the USA in the 1800's and was first planted on Long Island, NY. It made a name for itself once it was brought to California around the time of the Gold Rush, and became the most popular wine even through Prohibition. Unfortunately Zinfandel fell out of favor in due to mass produced, inferior wines, and many of the vines in Napa and Sonoma were ripped for the new craze, Cabernet Sauvignon. But, their were a small group of believers that felt Zinfandel was worth saving, and Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood Winery, was one of them. He still produces world-class wine under his Once & Future label, and his son, Morgan, also shares Joel's passion for this ancient variety, capturing the beauty of Zinfandel in his Bedrock bottlings. Joel and Morgan were in town last week, and we had the pleasure of tasting through their current lineup. These two wines in particular stood out as perfect wines for your upcoming holiday meal. Enjoy America's wine this Thanksgiving!
The 2021 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is exceptional and also one of the most distinctive wines in this range from Joel Peterson. The purity of the fruit is just remarkable. Ripe red cherry, blood orange, spice, mint and cedar all take shape in a Zinfandel that stands out for its inner sweetness and pliant feel. The effects of drought were pretty severe in terms of restricting yields. As for the wine, it is superb. Don't miss it!
Rated 96/100 Vinous Media
This is one of the strongest Old Vine Zinfandel bottlings we have made to date...the finished blend is 85% Zinfandel with 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault and bits and bobs of Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and other field-blended varieties. As usual, the average vine age is around 80 years old, which makes this truly an “old vine” cuvee. --winery notes
Spry and briary, this Zinfandel is fun to drink, with lively black cherry, licorice and dried sage flavors, which take on richness and cracked pepper accents toward zesty tannins.
Rated 94/100 Wine Spectator
Most of the fruit for the 2021 Zinfandel Old Vine comes from Sonoma. Ripe ruby hued, the wine is fresh with ripe berries and white pepper spice, as well as roses. Medium-bodied, with good structure, fresh acidity, and fine tannins, it has a fully dry style. It is an outstanding value and would also be an outstanding wine to pour by the glass. Drink it over the next few years.
Rated 92/100 Jeb Dunnuck
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