wines
2024 SAUVIGNON BLANC
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Grapes are hand-harvested from select vineyards - the core of the wine is Russian River Valley fruit (92%) with a small selection from Dry Creek Valley.
Wild yeast primary fermentation occurred in stainless steel tank (80%) and the balance in neutral French oak for texture. No malolactic or lees inclusion to preserve freshness. Elevage for six months in tank.
TASTING NOTES
Valravn Sauvignon Blanc is a classic representation of the varietal, showcasing a focused, fresh, and complex profile with a luscious fruit core supported by a taut backbone. The wine features evolving notes of grapefruit, gooseberry, and lemongrass, complemented by tropical hints of guava and passionfruit. It is broad and rich while still maintaining a zippy and lively character.
PRESS - 92 VP, 91 WE, 91 JS
2024 CHARDONNAY
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Grapes are hand-harvested from select vineyards - a core of Russian River Valley fruit (some Dry Creek) with cut barrel selections from our Marine Layer designated wines (all Sonoma Coast), including Bohemian, Heintz, Gaps Crown, Hawk Hill, and MLV Estate vineyards.
Wild yeast primary fermentation occurred in French oak barrels (75%) and stainless steel tank (25%). Malolactic fermentation completed in all but one quarter of the final blend. The wine then aged for ten months in French oak barrels (15% new - Damy, Cavin, and Tremeaux) with monthly batonnage.
TASTING NOTES
The 2024 Valravn Chardonnay opens with vivid aromas of tangerine peel, citrus blossom, and ripe stone fruit. Hints of lychee and a delicate thread of coastal salinity lend lift and intrigue to the palate. The oak is subtle, contributing more to a supple, rounded texture than to overt flavor, letting the vibrant fruit and minerality shine.
2023 PINOT NOIR
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
The 2023 Valravn Pinot Noir is rooted in the Russian River AVA (85%) with a selection of declassified barrels from our Sonoma Coast AVA Marine Layer project (10%) and a unique parcel from the high-elevation Mendocino Ridge AVA (5%).
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted and cold-soaked in the cellar. Wild yeast fermentation occurs with about 20% whole cluster inclusion in small open-top stainless steel tanks. Following primary fermentation, the wine is racked to new (about 20%), second-use, and neutral French oak barrels, including François Freres and Remond, for malolactic conversion and eleven months of aging.
TASTING NOTES
The wine has a dark ruby color and offers aromas of red and black fruits, accented by hints of baking spices. The coastal influence is evident, bringing a crisp freshness that complements the brambly, briar patch character. Flavors of cranberry and pomegranate contribute a rich texture that remains balanced, thanks to the cool-climate grapes’ taut, linear structure.
PRESS - 93 WE, 91 JS, 90 VIN
2022 ZINFANDEL
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Since our first vintage, Valravn Zinfandel has been based on old, bush-pruned vines averaging 40 years old (some over 100) across the county’s best appellations. The 2022 vintage is Zinfandel from two Dry Creek Valley parcels (one sandy loam, the other volcanic) and a Russian River AVA plot. We also included Petite Sirah and Grenache, which were cofermented with the Zinfandel for added complexity. Hand harvested, hand sorted, and gently destemmed before fermentation.
In the cellar, the grapes went through a cold soak (with the berries intact) to capture the juicy fruit profile, followed by primary fermentation. Once fermented dry, the wine was racked to barrel for malolactic and aging for ten months in a diverse French oak barrel regimen of varying ages (first use to completely neutral) and sizes (barrique to puncheon).
TASTING NOTES
The 2022 Valravn Zinfandel is juicy and exuberant, bursting with black fruits, raspberry liqueur, and spiced rhubarb. Sappy and unctuous with notes of Mexican chocolate, licorice, sweet spice, and tobacco.
PRESS - 92 WE, 91 JS
2022 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
The 2022 Valravn Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% supporting varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Petite Verdot, Malbec, and Syrah). The grapes hail from four sub-AVAs of Sonoma County - Knight’s Valley (40%), Moon Mountian (20%), Alexander Valley (20%) and Chalk Hill (20%). Combining varietals, elevations, aspects, climates, and soil types allows us to blend the components for a seamless composition.
In the cellar, hand-harvested and hand-sorted grapes undergo an extended cold soak followed by primary fermentation in stainless steel. Following primary fermentation, the wine is racked to French oak barrels (new, second-use, and neutral) for malolactic conversion and 16 months of aging. The barrel regimen is approximately 25% new oak, including Atelier, Sylvain, Taransaud, and Seguin Moreau cooperages.
TASTING NOTES
The wine showcases rich layers of dark blue and black fruits, creating a complex blend of savory and sweet flavors. There is an ever-so-subtle bittersweetness reminiscent of amaro, along with a slightly ferrous quality and hints of graphite. These elements complement the opulent fruit - think late-season blackberries - adding complexity, structure, and length to the wine.