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 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 the 2024 Valravn Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, as part of our wine club. “Awesome fruit, exceptional vineyards, respectful winemaking, amazing prices. Magic? No—but pretty dang close ”.
Crafted from sustainably farmed, hand‑harvested fruit sourced from the Green Valley Russian River AVA (70%) with a selection of declassified barrels from their Sonoma Coast AVA Marine Layer project (30%). The grapes underwent a cold soak followed by wild yeast fermentation in small open‑top stainless‑steel tanks with 25% whole‑cluster inclusion to add aromatic lift and savory spice. Malolactic conversion and aging for eleven months in a combination of new, second-use, and neutral French oak barrels from François Frères and Remond. In the glass it shows a dark ruby hue with a translucent rim, leading with aromas of Luxardo-like black cherry, wild strawberry, cranberry, pomegranate, rose petal, and warm baking spice. The palate is medium‑bodied and silky, offering juicy, crunchy red fruits layered over subtle bramble and darker berry notes, framed by fine‑grained tannins and a sleek line of coastal acidity that keeps everything lively and mouthwatering through the finish. A vibrant, coastal expression of Pinot Noir that marries Russian River richness with Sonoma Coast lift and minerality.
