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June 24, 2002
1986 Merlot - Ravenswood - Sonoma County - California
4 grapes
The rewards
of putting wine away. Oh yes! I am always shocked by the large number
of people who love wine but don't believe in investing in a wine cellar.
I know that society's encouragement to instant gratification has spurred
people in changing their buying habits, but wine, specially good wine
needs attention and patience to express its inner beauty. I was told that
99% of North Americans consume their wine within 1 hour after purchase.
Please tell me that ain't so.
Well, to the people who have no patience I say "oh, pity you!"
And to those who do understand the eleoquence of aged wine our pick of
the week has lots to say.
Since 1976 Raveswood and its creator Joel Peterson has created a standard,
a benchmark with their gutys fatty, opulent wines. Even their website
reflects their moral philosophy of "No wimps allowed here".
I have bee a real fan of theirs from real early on and I can say that
they don't disappoint. This wine, while fully matured, was delicious from
the first sip. As the wine continued to breathe one could pick out aromas
of bosyenberry jam with multiple layers of fried (yes fried) fig, white
pepper, jamine and even some orange zests. The word "smoooooth"
came imediately to mind. With no agressive tannins, a soft round mouth
feel of sweet cherries, smoked birchwood, and a long, rich aftertaste,
this 12.8% wine was a perfect fit for my much needed relaxing evening.
Some of you would express doubt in having waited so long, but I can tell
you that, while velvety and extremely seductive, this is not a wimpy wine.
The Purple Feet Rating System: |
5 grapes = spectacular |
|
4 grapes = delicious |
3 grapes = yummy |
2 grapes = okay |
1 grape = awkward |
