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.
2024 Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys – Crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. 67% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 5% Alicante Bouschet and 3% Mataro. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and earth. Medium body with medium acidity. Rich, earthy and approachable. Cherry, strawberry, blood orange and a hint of pepper on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Delicious and easy to drink. Best over the next 3-4 years. $36 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2024 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel East Bench – Purple in color. 14.6% ABV. 100% Zinfandel from Funsten Ranch. Stunning nose of black fruits, anise, baking spices and and flowers. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Big and lush with notable tannins. Black cherry, blackberry, plums and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. The savory side of Dry Creek Zinfandel. This is a keeper. Best over the next 5-7 years. $42 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
2024 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Paso Robles – Bright crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. 100% Zinfandel from Benito Dusi Ranch. Intriguing nose of red fruits, citrus, herbs and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. Fresh and vibrant with an abundance of sweet fruits. Raspberry, cranberry, blood orange and nutmeg on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Tremendous Zinfandel that can be enjoyed now and over the next 4-6 years. $46 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 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.