I drank a lot of Ravenswood in college. Mostly because I wanted to seem sophisticated and classy AF, but also because I just preferred it to beer. There was something to me that felt very adult about choosing wine over macro lager. But I was also on a budget, so while I had a taste for wine, I didn’t necessarily have the funds to support the habit. That left me with a selection of wines that many somms and industry folks might turn up their noses at, but Ravenswood is the wine that first made me realize I loved wine. It was 100 percent my gateway drug.
I haven’t had Ravenswood all that often lately, so I decided to retaste it this past week. I have to admit I was extremely pleased to find it still enjoyable and well-balanced.
It’s basically a $13 preview of what to expect from a Napa wine. In the glass, this wine gives off aromas of rich ripe fruit. But on the palate, there is a nice amount of acidity and herbaceous characteristics that prevent the wine from tasting syrupy or sweet. It’s not a wine that’s going to blow you away, but it is incredibly solid. I’d even be willing to say it’s one of the best buys available in the grocery store. You won’t be disappointed.