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 is the Winemaker at Ridge Lytton Springs.
The winery recently sent me samples of some of their new releases.
2023 Ridge Vineyards Evangelho – Bright crimson in color. 13.4% ABV. 67% Carignane, 19% Zinfandel and 14% Mataro. Brooding nose of black and blue fruits, plums and scorched earth. Full bodied with stong acidity. Dark, plush and well balanced. Black cherry, blueberry, creosote and pepper on the palate. The finish is incredibly long. Big wine that will age effortlessly. Best over the next 8-12 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 93 points.
2022 Ridge Vineyards San Lorenzo – Purple in color. 14% ABV. 50% Zinfandel, 42% Petite Sirah and 8% Alicante Bouschet. Killer nose of red and black fruits, licorice, cocoa and pepper. Full bodied with mouthwatering acidity. Bursting with bright, juicy fruits. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, chocolate truffle and white pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. The Zinfandel is the hero here and the Petite Sirah will provide longevity. Best over the next 8-10 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 95 points.
2022 Ridge Vineyards Frediani Ranch – Purple in color. 14.1% ABV. 40% Valdiguié, 37% Petite Sirah and 23% Charbono. Savory nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and flowers. Medium to full bodied with tremendous acidity. Rich, lush and well balanced. Cherry, plum, blood orange and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Stunning wine and certainly a throwback to a bygone era. I adore wine with Valdiguié in the mix and look forward to future vintages of Frediani Ranch. Best over the next 4-6 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
2024 Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc – Straw colored. 13.4% ABV. 85% Grenache Blanc, 12% Picpoul and 3% Roussanne. From Fossil Creek, Adelaida and Halter Ranch Vineyards. Gorgeous nose of stone fruits, melon and flowers. Full bodied with exquisite acidity. Rich, opulent and creamy. Pear, apple, lemon oil and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Unique and delicious. Best over the next 3-5 years but this could easily be my house white this Summer. $38 at the winery. My rating: 93 points.
2022 Ridge Vineyards Syrah Grenache Mataro – Dark red in color. 14.5% ABV. 64% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 8% Mataro and 2% Viognier. Stunning nose of red fruits, mint, leather and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. There is a refreshing lightness here in the mouth. Impeccably balanced. Cherry, raspberry, kirsch and a hint of pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. A compelling blend from the iconic Lytton Estate Vineyard. Best over the next 6-8 years. $44 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
2023 Ridge Vineyards Carigane Sandy Lane – Bright crimson in color. 13% ABV. From vines planted in the 1890’s in Antioch. Super nose of red fruits, baking spices, licorice and cocoa. Medium body with medium acidity. Claret style with tart, earthy fruits. Strawberry, cranberry, salmonberry and soil on the palate. The finish long and smooth. Approachable and easy to drink. Best over the next 3-5 years. $38 at the winery. My rating: 92 points.
Ridge might be best known for their Zins and the Monte Bello flagship but don’t overlook some of the tremendous wines above.
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.