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Ravenswood Dickerson Zinfandel 2012 Wine Review

Ravenswood Dickerson Zinfandel 2012

Ravenswood Dickerson Zinfandel 2012

Napa Valley, California, United States

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 5

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Price: $46.95

Drink: 2016-2022

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13.5%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Ravenswood

Agent: E&J Gallo Winery Canada Ltd.

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Winemaker Joel Peterson says that "airoir" affects the taste of this wine. The vineyards are planted close to eucalyptus trees and the oil from the trees blows off and coats the grapes lightly imparting a light hint of mint. This wine displays dazzling aromas of ripe red berries and other fruits. It was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, of which 30% was new. The barrels are made from oak primarily from the Navarre forest in France, and they are seasoned outside where the weather impact their final flavour profile and brings out their natural wood-grain tannins. Joel uses hand/manual punch down to extract more flavour.

Heavenly Hamburger Wine

This Ravenswood Dickerson Zinfandel 2012 was reviewed on December 3, 2015 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2013  2010  2006  1999  2009 

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Pricing & Stock Information

  • BCLDB
  • 283739
  • $34.39 
  • Check Stock

Reviews and Ratings

Tania Thomas - CSW, WSET ADV rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

A classic Napa Valley Zinfandel, vinified with the fruit sourced from the small, low-yielding Dickerson vineyard in the warm St. Helena climate, protected by the Mayacamas Mountains. Expertly crafted with 100% Zinfandel grapes, it’s bursting with ripe red cherries and raspberries. Well integrated tannins after 19 months of maturation in French oak barrels, finishes in a long lingering, cedar-box tinged finish. Great ageing potential between 7-10 years.
Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Ravenswood Dickerson 2012 vintage from their Single Vineyard Designates series. Dickerson Vineyard is located on Zinfandel Lane on the west side of Napa Valley and consists of 10 acres of Zinfandel vines that were planted in 1930 (4 acres), 1979 (3 acres), and 1985 (3 acres). Deep ruby red, with rich plum, dark raspberry, eucalyptus, clove, and cedar box on the nose. The palate shows great harmony between the juicy and refreshing red and dark berries and plum along with the fine tannins and lovely texture that make this wine so food friendly. Dickerson Zin has the structure for cellar aging which will permit the wine to evolve further whilst retaining the freshness and vibrancy of this premium Zin. Pair with smoked duck breast with red wine risotto. Enjoy 2015-2030. Tasted November 2015. 92 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca
Mymi Thesingingsommelier - Sommelier, FWS 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.
The Dickerson vineyard owes its name to Bill Dickerson who purchased the small 10 acres of land in warm St. Helena, Napa Valley in 1971. With vines planted as far back as 1930, the wines created from the fruit of the Dickerson vineyard has been hailed by Robert Junior Parker as “the Heintz Martha’s Vineyards of Zinfandels”.
100% Zinfandel, the 2012 offering is a deep purply red color.
Fresh, floral and perfumey on the nose, it boasts aromas of fresh red berries and dried mint.
Intriguing at first on the palate but then transforms into a spicy, earthy nectar full of ripe red and black cherries. Dry with soft tannins, and a juicy acidity complemented by a dazzling freshness.
True to its iconic Dickerson reputation, the 2012 is a splendid Zinfandel.
Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

A full-bodied 100% Zinfandel with ripe red fruit and eucalyptus on the nose. The palate shows ripe red fruit, baking spice and interesting touches of baking spices, eucalyptus and oak, leading to a long spicy finish.

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