Ravenswood Shiraz Redux

Had the opportunity to discuss this wine with Joel Peterson recently in New Orleans. With the purchase by Constellation Brands, Mr Peterson was in a meeting with other segments of the CB's portfolio. He mentioned a desire to do some Syrahs and received an offer for some prime Shiraz from an Australian counterpart. He took the winemaker-grower up on his offer, and has now done three vintages. Unfortunately, he was not pouring any that night, nor was he offering it at any of the tastings. He indicated that he was pleased with his efforts and the OZ fruit, but allowed as how each vintage (and possibly his work with the grape) was an improvement over the previous. As this was a "pet project" for him, he was adamant that he was not re-labeling Australian wine, but was producing from OZ grapes. I do not recall the location of the fermentation, barrel-room, etc. though he probably provided those details. Unfortunately, our discussion was near the end of an evening of tastings, so my memory was a bit clouded.

Earlier, I stated that I did not think that Ravenswood had done a Shiraz. I apologize for making that statement, especially seeing as how they have now done THREE vintages.

Hunt