Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
Details
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Grape Variety
Zinfandel
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Vintage
2017
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Size
750ml
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Farming Practice
Sustainable
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Style
Minerally , Rich
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Body
Full Bodied
Flatiron Wines & Spirits NY
Ridge's wines are some of the best the U.S. has to offer— year after year they produce elegant, age-worthy wines that rival the best in the world. It's no wonder that Ridge first came to prominence at the Judgement of Paris, with it's signature Monte Bello holding it's own against the best First Growth Bordeaux.
Ridge's Monte Bello location in the Santa Cruz Mountains was first planted to vine in the late 19th century (wine was being produced as early as 1892!) though thanks to Prohibition (everyone's favorite), the vineyards fell into disrepair. The property was purchased in 1940, and although a small amount of Cabernet was produced then,1962 was the first vintage crafted as we know Ridge today. In 1991, Ridge added the Lytton Springs property in Sonoma County to their estate.
The philosophy at Ridge is simple: they strive to make "pre-industrial" wines. What exactly is "pre-industrial" wine? Basically, they've been making natural wine since well before it became fashionable, much like many of the best estates in Europe. They let the grapes speak for themselves, intervening in the process only when necessary. At the end of the day, grapes are fruit, and Ridge aims to bring the distinct fruit flavors of their carefully grown grapes to their wines.
While Monte Bello is known as one of the best wines in the world, Ridge's other cuvees are just as good; it's a wonder that they're not all as expensive. To get wines of this quality at these prices is a rarity in today's market.
RP
94
"The 2017 Geyserville is a blend of 68% Zinfandel, 18% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet, aged 14 months in American oak, 16% new. Medium ruby, it opens with lilac, chocolate box and stone fruit hints with warm blackcurrants, red and black cherries, cranberries, cedar, tobacco leaf and dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied, it opens slowly in the mouth to pure fruits supported by fine, chalky tannins and integrated freshness on the very long finish. This is wound tight but has loads of potential and will require at least another few years in bottle." -Robert Parker