Community Review

Ravenswood Besieged 2014

Sonoma County, California, United States

Community Score: 4.5/5
Community Reviews: 15

Price: $24.95

Sweetness: Extra Dry
Alcohol: 14.5%

Drink: 2016-2020

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Ravenswood

Mymi Thesingingsommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Ravenswood’s logo might be the most tattooed symbol in the wine business…
Since starting the winery in Sonoma County in 1976, Joel Peterson has amassed enormous critical acclaim, a dedicated cult following and has even been nicknamed the Grandfather of Zinfandel.
Always dedicated, tenacious and committed to crafting the best wines possible, he proved that with hard work and a great deal of passion it is absolutely possible even if in the early days, for a decade, the winery’s location was an old tin-roofed shelter, once a woodworking shop making oak toilet seats!!!
A unique attribute to Ravenswood’s success is a long-standing relationship with over 100 independent grape growers. Each vineyard is personally chosen by Joel himself according to their location, age, yield and special flavor characteristics demonstrating Zinfandel’s multiple facets as well as bringing out the very best from the various other varietals grown on those parcels of land.
Besieged is what Joel calls a traditional California blended red. It is comprised of Petite Sirah, Carignan, Zinfandel, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Barbera (all of them from old vines) sourced from a variety of vineyards across California, from the cool climate Russian River Valley to the warmer Central Coast area.
The wine is as dark, moody and beautiful as the label; deep bluish purple with a great deal of legs running down the inside of the glass.
On the nose, it is vivacious, earthy with intense aromas of juicy black cherries & blackberries, crushed cloves, a hint of bruised cinnamon, black pepper and some dried mint.
Gargantuous, enchanting and dry on the palate. Black cherry and blackberry explosion, bold tannins, satisfying acidity, smoky mouth-watering finish.
This is not a timid wine and will smooth out over time, but why would you want to wait?
Will accompany your best carnivorous feasts.

Read Natalie's Full Review

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