Description
Valravn is the evolution of a dream that Baron Ziegler, Steve Graf and Emily Peterson started years ago with another label they created—Banshee Wines. It began as a singular Pinot Noir made to provide value in a category living almost perpetually at $60 retail. The trio refused to believe it was impossible to have something worth drinking, at a price they could personally afford to pay. Fast-forward some years, after selling Banshee but keeping the contracts with the growers they had developed relationships with over the years, Valravn was hatched. They began working with winemaker Rob Fischer, whose own relationships and experience in the area only elevated their game. Valravn produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma County. We are pleased to feature their 2022 Zinfandel as part of our wine club. “Awesome fruit, exceptional vineyards, respectful winemaking, amazing prices. Magic? No. But pretty dang close”.
92% Zinfandel from old, bush-pruned vines—averaging 40-years-old (some over 100)—from two Dry Creek Valley parcels (one sandy loam, the other volcanic) and a Russian River AVA plot. The blend also includes a small amount of Petite Sirah and Grenache (8%), which were co-fermented with the Zinfandel for added complexity. The grapes were hand harvested, hand sorted, and gently destemmed before fermentation. The grapes went through a cold soak, with the berries intact, followed by primary fermentation. Once fermented dry, the wine was racked to barrel for malolactic and aging for ten months in a diverse French oak barrel regimen of varying ages—from first use to completely neutral—and sizes (barrique to puncheon).
A bright, elevated take on classic Sonoma County old-vine Zinfandel. The bouquet is brimming with brambly berry fruit. The palate is fresh and sappy, bursting with flavors of blackberry, raspberry coulis and blueberry juice, with slight notes of chocolate and caramel. Elegantly structured, with a gracefully arching acid core and a fine, delicate tannin through the spicy finish.
