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 2021 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville.
I chose this Zinfandel as my Zinfandel of the Month as the wine is just now being released and should be readily available. Savvy collectors will be well served to add this to their cellar.
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. Shauna Rosenblum was recently named the Winemaker at Ridge Lytton Springs.
Geyserville is a traditional field blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Portions of the vineyard date back 130 years. Geyserville is on the western edge of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley.
Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Stunning nose of black fruits, baking spices and flowers. Full bodied with perfect acidity. Big and bold with tremendous concentration and structure. Black cherry, plums, chocolate and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Approachable now but the best is yet to come. This will age well. Best over the next decade or so. $55 at the winery and retail.
My rating: 95 points.
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.