Ravenswood '90s Merlot, Cabernets and Bdx blends

[AskoKassinen]

Last nite Ravenswood wines from the ’90s. One 2001 in the mix. This time Merlot, Cabernet Sav. and Bordeaux blends. Ravenswood '90s Zinfandels we tasted in March this year.

The Cabs were the stars of the evening. Merlots were interesting, enjoyable even but not on the level of the Cabs. The Bordeaux blends eg Pickberry Vineyard were a slight disappointment after the Cab lineup. Anyways, impressive how wines quarter of a century old can perform so consistently.

Sidenote: I do not believe I have ever seen as much sediment in dry wine as the Merlots had. Aslmost like vintage port level sediment buildup. Almost.

The Cabs improved in the glass. After first round of sniffs and sips, I suspected something off with the ’97, musty earthy notes. I was equally sure the ’95 is my favorite, and ’90 still drinks nice but appears as oldest of the lineup. Hour later … no mustiness on ’97, ’95 still good but stiff competition from ’96 and ’92. And ’90 is fresh and drinking nicely.

My three favorites are the Cabernets in preference order: ’95 and ’92 and ’96.

Next step is to pair some ’90s Dunn Howell Mointains with these Ravenswood ’90s Cabs. Just for science

More detailed notes as usual by @Otto_Forsberg in due time. I think he is about 1 year behind with his notes, from ink to digital. (:

1997 Ravenswood Winery Merlot Sonoma County
1997 Ravenswood Winery Merlot Sonoma Valley „Sangiacomo Vineyard“
1992 Ravenswood Winery Merlot Sonoma Valley „Sangiacomo Vineyard“
1997 Ravenswood Winery Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon „Gregory Vineyard“
1996 Ravenswood Winery Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon „Gregory Vineyard“
1995 Ravenswood Winery Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon „Gregory Vineyard“
1992 Ravenswood Winery Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon „Gregory Vineyard“
1990 Ravenswood Winery Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon „Gregory Vineyard”
2001 Ravenswood Winery Single Vineyard Pickberry Vineyards, Sonoma Mountain, Bdx blend
1997 Ravenswood Winery Single Vineyard Pickberry Vineyards, Sonoma Mountain, Bdx blend
1995 Ravenswood Winery Single Vineyard Pickberry Vineyards, Sonoma Mountain, Bdx blend
1991 Ravenswood Winery Single Vineyard Pickberry Vineyards, Sonoma Mountain, Bdx blend

[Karl_K]

Nice!

[David_Bu3ker]

Those Gregory Vineyard Cabs are very special, and they were never expensive. Pickberry always cost more, but I preferred the Gregory wines…and still do!

[James_Mc]

I have a ‘94 gregory from Joel’s library release several years ago. May open it later this year around thanksgiving. Never had it, but excited to open.

[David_Bu3ker]

I may still have a '95 & a '98 Gregory downstairs. Every time I look at CellarTracker I am reminded that I never entered my final library case buy.

[amjohnstone]

Ironically, I cracked 1996 Ravenswood Merlot a few days ago. I purchased it from Once & Future / Joel when he had the library sale. Like you, saw a lot of sediment, but the wine was in good shape still, great color, no bricking, etc. I wasn’t drinking it side by side with old Ravenswood cab, but it was delicious. It still tasted a bit of tart red fruit, some leather, and a touch of smoke. Honestly, super impressed at how well it showed. There’s something to be said for perfect provenance.

[Mark_Fister]

I opened a 91 Gregory last week and it showed very well.

I too bought from Joel’s O&F library release.