Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel 2006

Mymi Thesingingsommelier rated this wine as 92/100 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 2006 version is a blend of at least 75% Zinfandel with the remainder consisting of a blend of about 30 other black varieties emanating from the Old Hill vineyard. Joel Peterson described this wine as having a “mahogany” character going through a ‘dipping’ phase.
Rustic ruby red color with slow moving legs.
Jammy, smoky, with toasted oak aromas, black liquorice, “burned” caramel and bouncy ripe red berries.
Dry, elegant and earthy on the palate with thick tannins and juicy acidity. Touch of sandalwood, intense blackberry compote and masala spices ending in a long intense finish.
If this is a dipping phase in the wine’s evolution, I cannot wait to try it in full bloom!
Yummy!!!

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

Ravenswood's prized Old Hill Zinfandel, from the organic (and non-irrigated) Old Hill Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, is a fine example of premium Zin. Old Hil Zinfandel are intensely flavorful and well structured wines, built to cellar for decades. Wines that continue to evolve and gain expression with each passing decade.

Ravenswood's 2006 Old Hill Zin shows blackberry, anise, mulberry, sweet spices, cedar on the nose and palate. Great texture, it's a beautiful wine to enjoy with rich and savoury dishes. Tasted November 2015. 93 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca