Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. Paul Draper recently retired and John Olney is making the wines at Lytton Springs and Eric Baugher at Monte Bello. Ridge makes Cabernet, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Rhone style wines.
Geyserville is a traditional field blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Portions of the vineyard date back 130 years.
Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 70% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah and 3% Alicante Bouschet. Stunning nose of black fruits, licorice, earth and white pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Packed with fruit but presented in restrained and elegant style. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, plums and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Tremendous Geyserville that is a worthy representation of the 50th vintage of this wine. Best over the next 5-7 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Don’t miss the recently released 2018 Geyserville. You should be able to find this in the low to mid forties.
The entire Ridge lineup is available at the winery and for the most part at retail as well. Exceptional wines that are fairly priced, well crafted and easy to find. Everyone is always looking for the latest and greatest when it comes to wine. Sometimes it pays to stick with the tried and true. There is so much to like here.