Eric Urbani

9.2

In the early 1850s the first significant vineyards were planted in Sonoma. Over the next half century, through a rigorous process of trial and error, the components were narrowed to four distinct varieties – petite Sarah, Zinfandel, Carignane , and Alicante Bouschet– each demonstrating extraordinary quality. Ravenswood ICON is a revival of this traditional “native Sonoma mixed blacks“ blend produced from old, low production, vineyards planted before Prohibition and is a tribute to Sonoma County’s incredible ancient vines. 14.8% ABV. — a month ago

Bill Belanger

9.1

These grapes have very visible tannins (on the back of the tongue. ) After a bit, dark fruit will take hold. — 3 years ago

Ryan McClellan

9.5

This got buried behind a myriad of whites on Xmas eve, 3 days later this thing is crazy good. All the blacks and blues you’re looking for, with an almost candied quality. Perfectly balanced and a super long finish. Fun now, prob awesome is another 10 years. — 4 years ago

with Deb and Chris

Peter Sultan

9.2

(While the pic is of this makers Chard review is for the Blaufrankish); Probably the darkest & most savory expression of Blaufrankish I’ve ever tried, & it works: black cherry & kirsch color, dense; on nose pretty open knit raspberry & black currants; the blacks currants, raspberry, & also kirsch/ beet notes on palate, with a pleasant chewy texture. For 24$ on sale a whole lotta wine, imagine the relatively long aging prerelease- over 3 years in amphorae etc -probably helped. — 4 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.7

The 2018 Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard is even better from bottle than it was from tank last year. What a wine! In 2018, the Carlisle Zinfandel is off the charts. Exotic floral notes, crushed red berry fruit, spice and wild flowers give the 2018 magnificent inner sweetness and perfume that just gains in intensity with time in the glass. The blend of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Mixed Blacks works so well. For readers who want to know why 2018 is so magical in the Russian River and Sonoma more broadly, the 2018 Carlisle pretty much sums it up. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2021)
— 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Sparkling Shiraz is a tradition on Christmas Day in Australia and is a great match with Roast Turkey and Baked Glazed Ham. A foamy mousse amongst the dark Ruby red colour. Aromas of blackberry plum and spices. A wonderful palate - sweet and rich with soft velvety tannins. Plenty of life and freshness with red and black fruits. Just plain delicious. My only bottle sadly and I hope I have the willpower to leave my 2004 until next Christmas. These Rockford Blacks are rare birds even in Australia. Disgorged 2002. Postscript: Only purchased in mid 2020 from a private cellar. — 4 years ago

Jason Phillips

9.3

Dark and complex. Varietal blend of Grenache, Syrah, Petit Syrah, Mourverde, and Viogneir. An excellent winemaker’s brilliant recipe. — 7 months ago

Kevin Dale

9.2

Old-vine mixed varietal block from just west of Calistoga. Dark fruits and full bodied.  — a year ago

Ron from VA

9.3

Stunning maturity in the cellar - concentration of brambled fruit - reds/blacks. A touch of spice from the oak. No substitute for complex hot summer fruit. Holding out much better than the 2007 hot vintage. This is consistent with the stunning 2010 Merlot that M. Finot made.  — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Prisoner Wine Company’s eponymous first wine was inspired by the drinkable “mixed blacks” made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. Fruit from vineyards in warm Oak Knoll and cool-climate Carneros with just a touch of Viognier. Pleasant aromas of stone and citrus fruits. Pale lemon with flavors of apple, pear and lemon zest, well balanced, vivid acidity, nice creamy mouthfeel. Long finish ending with mineral notes. Nice! But I will not buy this because the cork is exposed without a foil or wax seal!!! — 5 years ago