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 upcoming releases.
2023 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Ponzo – Bright crimson in color. 14.3% ABV. 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah from Ponzo Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Glorious nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Abundant bright, juicy fruits. Cherry, strawberry, blood orange and earth on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Really elegant Zinfandel that is somewhat overlooked in the Ridge portfolio. Check this vintage out. Best over the next 3-5 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
2022 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Boatman – Crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. 100% Zinfandel. Pretty nose of red fruits, baking spices, earth and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Light, crisp and refreshing. Cherry, cranberry, strawberry and pomegranate on the palate. The finish lingers and leaves you reaching for your glass again. The essence of Sonoma County Zinfandel. Absolutely delicious. Best over the next 3-5 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
2023 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Benito Dusi – Opaque purple in color. 15.1% ABV. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, anise, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with tremendous acidity. Bright, juicy fruits in spades. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, strawberry and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Awesome Zinfandel that is right in my wheelhouse. Best over the next 3-5 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 95 points.
2023 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Blasi – Purple in color. 14.4% ABV. 100% Zinfandel from Metcalfe Vineyard in the Chalk Hill AVA. Lovely nose of red fruits, peach, citrus and earth. Medium body with juicy acidity. Packed with bright, tart fruits. Cherry, raspberry compote, blood orange and pepper on the palate. The finish is incredibly long. Charming Zinfandel that is approachable now. Best over the next 3-4 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 93 points.
2023 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Green & Red – Dark crimson in color. Soaring nose of black fruits, licorice, mint and pepper. Medium to full bodied with medium acidity. Dark and lush. Blackberry, black cherry, cocoa and white pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Well crafted Zinfandel from an iconic site in Napa Valley. This will effortlessly. Best over the next 6-8 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 93 points.
2023 Ridge Vinyeards Zinfandel St. Peter’s Church – Ruby red in color. 14.4% ABV. 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah from a vineyard behind St. Peter’s Church in Cloverdale. Savory nose of black fruits, anise and wet earth. Medium body with strong acidity. Well balanced with dark, brooding fruits. Blackberry, black cherry, plums, mint and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and smooth. I’ve long wanted to try a Zinfandel from this vineyard and this wine lived up to expectations. Best over the next 4-6 years. $42 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
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.
Mouth watering reading, Tom. Cheers!
Thank you!