Description
A top blend from one of the best winerys in California for single vineyard Zinfandels. A blend of 72% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet. Aged for 16 months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels (17% new, 3% one year old, 10% two years old, 10% there years old and 65% three and four years old).
Nose of red and black raspberry, white pepper, fennel, sage, dark chocolate and sarsaparilla. Full bodied with notes of blackberry and ripe plum; juicy acidity, excellent midpalate weight and a lengthy finish.
A dry winter left the vines struggling to find water. This reduced fruit set in all varietals, especially zinfandel. Thirty-eight parcels were harvested from September first to October fifth and fermented separately. Thirty-four were selected, including vines planted in 1901 and eighty-year-old counoise inter-planted with cinsaut. Enjoyable now, this beautiful, complex wine will continue to develop over the next ten years and beyond.
In 1962, Ridge made its first Monte Bello, and two years later its first zinfandel. Since that time, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, searching California for those rare and exceptional vineyards where climate, soil, and variety are ideally matched.
Organically Grown
14.5%
