Valravn Zinfandel 2022, Sonoma County, California

Valravn is born from bush-pruned vines ranging in age from 50 to 105 years old. Hand harvesting each vineyard parcel allowed for selection of only the most pristine bunches which averaged 26 brix at harvest. Grapes were hand sorted and gently destemmed before fermentation. After a 24 hour cold-soak, which served to extract richness and color from these black grapes, the wine was slowly fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with twice-daily remontage (pumping over) during fermentation. The wine was then racked into French oak barrels (20% new) and aged for 10 months before being bottled with no fining and a very light filtration. Tasting Notes: A very lifted aroma of simmering berry sauce emanates from the glass. In the mouth there is a cascade of blue and red fruits alike, comprised of copious amounts of blueberry, cassis and blackberry compote with the faintest hint of blood orange lingering around the perimeter of the core. It is framed in a mocha bean and chocolate ganache flavor.