Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley presents a deep ruby color, indicative of its well-preserved nature. On the nose, it offers a delicate yet attractive fragrance of vanilla, herbs, cassis, and spices. The palate reveals a sculptured, fruity, medium to full-bodied wine with crisp acidity, moderate tannin, and good depth. This vintage reflects the excellent growing conditions of 1985, characterized by a long, cool season that allowed for full flavor maturity and balanced acidity. While very good, possibly excellent, it lacks the extra dimension of flavor and personality necessary to merit an outstanding rating. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It seems to me that vintages since 1990 have been markedly superior.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it a favorite among vintners worldwide. In Napa Valley, this grape found an ideal environment, leading to the production of exceptional wines. The 1985 vintage was particularly notable, with a long, cool growing season that allowed the grapes to achieve full flavor maturity at moderate sugar levels, resulting in well-balanced wines. Ravenswood Winery, established in 1976 and primarily celebrated for its Zinfandel, ventured into crafting Cabernet Sauvignon during this period, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of both the grape and the winery.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1985 vintage in Napa Valley was exceptional, characterized by a long, cool growing season that allowed grapes to achieve full flavor maturity with balanced acidity.
• 🏰 Ravenswood Winery, founded in 1976 by Joel Peterson, is renowned for its Zinfandel but also produced notable Cabernet Sauvignons, including the 1985 vintage.
• 🧬 Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a discovery made through DNA typing in 1996.
• ⛰️ Napa Valley's diverse terroir, influenced by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges, contributes to the unique characteristics of its Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
• 🍷 The 1985 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are known for their elegance and balance, with many still drinking beautifully today.

Palate profile

Producer

Ravenswood Winery, established in 1976 by Joel Peterson in Sonoma, California, is renowned for its bold, single-vineyard Zinfandels that played a pivotal role in revitalizing the variety. The winery's iconic logo, featuring three interlocking ravens, was designed by artist David Lance Goines and became so popular that enthusiasts often tattooed it on themselves. In 2001, Ravenswood was acquired by Constellation Brands for $148 million, and later, in 2019, the brand was sold to E. & J. Gallo Winery. After a brief hiatus, Ravenswood reintroduced its wines in 2025, with Peterson collaborating closely to honor the winery's legacy. The winery's original tasting room, located at 18701 Gehricke Road in Sonoma, closed in 2019, but the brand continues to produce wines that reflect the rich heritage of California's Zinfandel vineyards.