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. John Olney is Head Winemaker at Ridge.
2015 was the first vintage of Blasi Zinfandel from Metcalfe Vineyard. Gary Blasi has been farming these old vines for over forty years on a handshake agreement with owner Jim Metcalfe.
Crimson in color 14.2% ABV. 98% Zinfandel and 2% Petite Sirah. Brilliant nose of red fruits, earth, flowers and pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Bursting with bright, juicy fruits. Strawberry, raspberry, baking spices and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Delightful Zinfandel that accentuates pure, exuberant fruit. This is absolutely delicious now but will keep for another 5-7 years. $37 at the winery and retail.
My rating: 94 points.
Review based on a sample provided by the winery.
Ridge has been defined by their Zin program for as long as I can remember and in recent years these wines have soared to new heights.
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.