Mainly made from 134-year-old Zinfandel vines. Volcanic sedimentary soil in Sonoma Valley containing reddish volcanic gravel, sand, and clay. A legendary vineyard where grapes have been grown since the 1850s. Famous as the vineyard for Ravenswood's finest wine in the 1980s. A miraculous story of father and son working with Joel's son Morgan to produce Once & Future and Bedrock under separate brands from this 2018 VTG. Characterized by aromas of red and black berries, cedar, mint, anise, black pepper, and chocolate, this wine speaks to the individuality of Sonoma Valley. It is impressive for its brightness, depth, and surprisingly long finish. Fermentation: Aged in large open redwood barrels and French barrels (30% new barrels).
Technical information
Cultivation: Mainly Zinfandel vines, 134 years old, trained to 2.4m x 2.4m spacing between trees and furrows.
Harvest: September 9, 2020
Brewing: Only natural yeast. Fermented in redwood barrels and aged in French barrels (30% new barrels).
Comment from Joel Peterson
This wine is characterized by aromas and flavors of red and black berries, cedar, mint, anise, black pepper, and chocolate, which speak to the unique character of Sonoma Valley's red clay soils, and has a rich, deep red fruit flavor and a pleasant lingering finish of blood orange.
Field Information
Old Hill Ranch
Located in Sonoma Valley, approximately 1.4 km north of our own Bedrock vineyard.
This volcanic sedimentary soil was created by an ancient river that flowed west from Mount Mayacamas, and contains reddish volcanic gravel, sand, and clay.
Mist from San Pablo Bay flows in from the evening to the morning, allowing ample sunlight during the day. Dry farming without irrigation.
History: In 1848, Philadelphia native William McPherson Hill moved to Sonoma during the Gold Rush and, along with mining, purchased land in Sonoma in 1851 and began an orchard and vineyard.
At the time, grape cultivation had not been established outside of the Mission Vineyards, so various varieties were experimentally planted; according to an 1873 report, Hill had 53 varieties growing in his vineyards.
Among them, it was discovered that the grape that expresses the concentration, acidity, and rich color known as "Black St. Peter" is Zinfandel.
The vineyard was forced to be replanted in the 1880s due to phylloxera, but Zinfardel and other varieties were grafted onto the resistant St. George rootstock, so at least 16 varieties from that time remain today. DNA testing has identified some varieties, while others remain unknown.
When I (Joel) visited Old Hill Ranch with my mentor Joseph Swan in 1975, it was in a state of disrepair, but in 1981 it was purchased by Otto and Ann Teller, who owned and ran organic vineyards at the nearby Oak Hill Ranch. After that, the vineyard was carefully cultivated and turned into the vineyard for Ravenswood's finest wines.
Today, Anne's son, Will Bucklin, continues to look after the legendary vineyard.
Vintage: 2020
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Mainly Zinfandel
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Old Hill Ranch
Note: Limited quantity in stock Vinous 93P dated Jan.2022 by Antonio Galloni
Winemaker: Joel Peterson
Vinification: Fermented with wild yeast in open redwood barrels
Aging: French barrel aging (30% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 15.2%