Ravenswood Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel 1999

I'm a fan of Teldeschi's wines under his own label, but have found the wines by Ravenswood and Ridge using his grapes to be as good (if not better?). I haven't seen a 1999 in some time (think I'm holding on to a lone bottle of 2000 in the cellar) but remember it to be a well-crafted fruit-forward Zin.

January 2008

Due to the long ripening time and the penetrating intervals of afternoon sun, the Belloni Zinfandel is deeply colored with an intense odor and the flavor character of boysenberries and blueberries, mingled with the traditional spice and smoky characteristics of Zinfandel. The luscious qualities of the wine make it delicious and ready to drink when it is young, but cellaring for five to seven years will contribute substantially to the wines complexity.

This unique vineyard in Sonoma Valley is an extension of the Oak Hill Organic Farm, owned and operated for many years by the now deceased Otto Teller, a sage octogenarian who employed no pesticides or irrigation. The 110-year-old vines are situated on a gravelly, well-drained hill that receive a full share of summer sun as well as cooling breezes. The crop level is seldom higher than one and a half tons per acre, and this scant tonnage - combined with the ideal growing conditions - produces exceptionally intense, spicy fruit. Old Hill Zinfandel is dark and rich with provocative flavors of black-berries, read more...mint and black pepper. Its unparalleled depth and complexity will reward those who have the patience to put a few bottles away in the cellar.    (hide)

These older (and some younger) low production vines that make up the Teldeschi wine from Ravenswood are a mix of Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Sirah. This melange is typical of the older plantings in California that use the different nature of each grape to elicit the best wine from the specific conditions of a particular growing region, while also allowing for flexibility in a vintage. The majority grape, Zinfandel, provides a thick ripe cherry berry character, while the Carignane provides bright raspberry flavors and balancing acidity. The Petite Sirah provides deep color, pepper spice read more...and firm tannins. Small open-top fermenters, the use of native yeast fermentation, manual punching down of the cap, minimal processing, and aging in small French oak cooperage all contribute to a style that brings out the best in the vineyard. The three varieties are fermented separately and blended to taste to produce the best wine possible from the vineyard in each year.The resulting wine is a Dry Creek classic, with its deep, almost blue black color and an aroma that exhibits the regional character of vanilla and ripe cherries. There are also the added complexities of red raspberries and black pepper. The impression of roundness, fullness, and sweet fruit are well balanced by refreshing acidity and smooth ripe tannins in the mouth. The full, multi-layered flavors linger long in the finish. This will be a wine that will please when it is young, but will please greatly when it is 7 to 10 years in the bottle, thus making it the perfect synthesis of tradition, hard work, excellent grape production, superior microclimate and dedicated winemaking.    (hide)

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar

No written review

May 2008