Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel 2012

Mymi Thesingingsommelier rated this wine as 91/100 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.
Ravenswood’s Old Hill vineyard is the oldest in their portfolio with some of the vines planted as far back as the 1880’s.
The 14 acres of vines is located in the heart of Sonoma County and was tended to by Otto Teller who also added a “field blend” which consisted of over 30 different varieties to the existing vineyard when he took over in the early 1980’s.
The 2012 version is a blend of 75% Zinfandel mixed with other black grapes all emanating from the Old Hill vineyard.
Bright bluish purple in the glass with very nice legs.
Pastry, raspberry, almond extract and a little sandalwood on the nose, almost Italian-esque!
A little reserved on the palate at first but as it breathes, it reveals power, great structure, hefty tannins complemented by juicy acidity. Dry, smoky, with raspberry & blackberry coulis and ripe juicy blueberry flavors ending in a long luscious finish.
A robust beast of a wine, delicious now and in the right condition, will age beautifully for at least another 10 years.

Jane Staples rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

A blend of at least 30 grape varieties with 75% Zinfandel, sourced from Sonoma County’s oldest vines. Shows a spicy nose with aromatic cassis, blackberries, some herbal notes and chocolate. Full-bodied palate with dark berry fruit, molasses, meaty aspect and dark chocolate. Soft tannins, well-structured

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Ravenswood's prized Old Hill Zinfandel, from the Old Hill Vineyard in Sonoma Valley. A vineyard that's renowned for having produced Sonoma's first famous Zin, made in 1862 by William Hill. The 2012 is fine wine that will reward those with the patience to cellar for a decade or longer. Beautiful in its infancy, it will only get better over the next 10-15 years. Blueberry, blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, violet, and cedar on the nose. Very well structured, with great texture from the fine tannins, this is a beautiful wine that would complement any fine food, and not just premium cuts of BBQ'd beef, try rich seafood, game, and pasta dishes. Tasted November 2015. 93 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Tania Thomas rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

From the Old Hill Vineyards with one of the oldest vines in the heart of Sonoma Valley comes this complex and intense blend of 75% Zinfandel and Granache. Impressive black fruit density with a touch of spice. Powerful with plenty of weight. Well structured, with a solid backbone of firm tannins, leading to a smoky-toned finish. Fantastic ageing potential between 10-15 years.