Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The April Zinfandel of the Month is the 2019 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Boatman.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the Month as it is one of the last Zins Ridge will release from the acclaimed 2019 vintage and should be readily available right now.
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.
Boatman Ranch is located in Sonoma County between Lytton Springs and Geyserville vineyards. In the early 1970s, Tim Boatman planted fifteen acres of zinfandel on the steep hillsides that surround his house. The rocky, east-facing terraces are ideal for growing intense, concentrated fruit. 2014 was the first vintage of Boatman.
2019 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Boatman – Dark red in color. 14.6% ABV. 97% Zinfandel and 3% Petite Sirah. Charming nose of red fruits, anise, plums and pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Light and lithe on the palate. Exceptional balance. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, earth and pepper with tremendous length on the finish. Although this vineyard was planted in the 70’s this Claret style Zinfandel has more of old vine feel. Drink over the next 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.