Ravenswood

I cannot believe I haven't ever talked about the Ravenswood winery on this blog.  Ravenswood is just outside of the town of Sonoma (which, by the way, is super cute and looks to be a great spot for lunch and some shopping.  We did the lunch part, just not the shopping. Next time, shopping will be added the agenda.) Ravenswood was a wonderful surprise.  I mean, the Vinter's blend Zin is a staple in our wine frig, however I had no idea what the winery would be like.  The wine guy that took care of us was the best, most entertaining person we've met in wine country.  He gave us the history of Ravenswood, along with the origin of their label, the grounds, the wines, and as self-proclaimed button manager, we left with buttons of each of us and "No Wimpy Wines" bumper stickers.  It seemed like we tried 12 different wines. They were all good but the wines that you can only get at the winery or through the wine club were great.  (Just another reason you should go visit.)

Seriously. Go visit.

Ravenswood was comfortable, everyone that walked in the door was treated like family, and we were no exception.

wine: Ravenswood Vinter's Cab

I must apologize for falling off the wine posting wagon.  We bought a case of Ravenswood Vinters blend Zinfandel and a case of Rex Goliath's 47 pound rooster and about 3 months later, we are back to trying out new wines. Although, we've loved them both dearly, it was time to move on and try some new wines. 

[photo credit]

First on the docket was the Ravenswood Vinters blend Cabernet.  Unfortunately, the Cab is no where near the quality of the Ravenswood Zin.  We love that Zin and for $7 per bottle, you really can't beat it.  (Unless of course you just drank 12 bottles over the course of a summer and you need a break.)

But today we're talking about the Cab. When we were at the Ravenswood winery, we tasted a lot of wonderful Cabernet gems. This Cab however lacked a lot...as in it lacked taste...which, in my book is kinda the most important quality in a glass of wine. 

Upon the first taste, this Cab was all vanilla (we don't like the vanilla) and then it went completely bland and then after swallowing, gave a little bite at the end.  Mike and I really like wine that is multidimensional when it hits your tongue. 

[Which, if you were paying attention yesterday, you would know that you get that multidimensional taste with a blend of grapes.] 

$10,000 pyramid

Things you can buy for $7:

1. One a day vitamins (50 ct.)

2. nearly 2 lattes at Peets

3. Ravenswood Zinfandel

Vitamins. good.

latte. good

wine. good

All these things are really very important and all of them make me very happy. Although I have to admit I'd be much happier if those darn horse pills could get a bit smaller. Seriously. I'll take two smaller vitamins compared to the one gigantasaurus rex pill.  But that's neither here nor there. I'll get back to the wine.

[4 stars]
I realize that my wine vocabulary isn't exactly refined.  In fact the other day when I opened this wine, I thought, hmmm....this tastes just like I was drinking it in the heart of the winery near the barrels.  To me, good wine equals wine that tastes like you are eating the barrel.  It finally dawned on me that I like the oak flavors. (I'm quick, I tell ya.) Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel is full of oakiness along with cherry or raspberries as well.  The price can't be beat for a weeknight wine.

Bliss in a $7 bottle.