Winemaker Notes
The 2016 vintage came in early this year, with average crop sizes overall and berries that ripened quickly. Early rains followed by ideal weather conditions brought robust canopies, resulting in excellent fruit quality and superior quality wines.
This fruit-forward deep red blend is well balanced with layers of dark cocoa, rich mocha, and vanilla bean notes.
Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 11% Petite Syrah, 3% other reds
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Soft and easy reds at this price are great for the marketplace. For many a beginning wine lover, this is where it all begins. The 2016 Ravage Red Blend is a good drinking wine. TASTING NOTES: This red is smooth and easy. Its aromas and flavors are simple and nice. (Tasted: May 15, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!