It’s a fall day in 1976 and winemaker Joel Peterson stands alone, a speck on the Sonoma Valley landscape, under a dark and threatening sky. Lightning flashes in the distant hills as he doggedly hauls grapes destined for his debut wine. A conspiracy of ravens circles overhead. They cackle ominously as Joel works, but to his hopeful ear their cries convey only encouragement.
Ravens, commonly thought to be harbingers of doom, have traditionally been auspicious creatures, keepers of deep mysteries and powerful secrets. As though blessed by the ravens with good fortune, Joel’s inaugural wine was an immediate success, and the birds thenceforth lent their name and image to the Ravenswood brand.
This autumn, the winery introduces Besieged for the very first time in Western Canada. Available in limited quantities, this blood-hued red demonstrates robust fruit flavours. Cardamom-spiced blackberry, black cherry, and plum give way to a rich, velvety finish thanks to a harmonious blend of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah, Barbera, Alicante Bouschet and Mourvèdre grapes.
Bringing together the best of Californian viniculture, Besieged’s varietals come mainly from premium Sonoma County vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Valley, among others, with small quantities sourced from some of the best vineyards in California’s North Coast, Central Coast and Lodi regions.
With its lush, round aromas, $24.99 price tag and appealingly macabre bottle, this robust red makes for the perfect Halloween wine.
Besieged can be found at BC Liquor Stores around the Lower Mainland. For more information visit www.ravenswoodwinery.com.
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