Sonoma County, California

Reviews

• Winery Notes: Because of the Zinfandel's unusually firm structure, we included very little Petite Sirah. As in most years, the 120-year-old Carignane was an elegant, vibrant addition. This outstanding vintage aged fourteen months in air-dried American oak. Rich primary fruit gives the wine immediate appeal; it will develop greater complexity over the next ten years.

PWC Staff Notes

• 77% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah
• Old-vine Sonoma Zinfandel; vines are over 120 years old.
• 40th Geyserville vintage!

Inside Info

• Ridge is eponymous with Zinfandel. Working with this grape since 1969, Ridge’s winemaker Paul Draper has defined this varietal to a certain extent. His mastery of Zin and blending has produced a number of wines based on this varietal that are considered by many as “quintessential Zin”.
• Working with old vines has done much to shape Draper's winemaking philosophy: "We're involved in a craft that has its roots in nature," he says. "It's a natural process. We're not winemakers - a grower is more what it's about; guiding the vine and the process, and creating it [the wine]. Nothing is added to the ingredients; only guidance and care." -Taken from and article written by Patrick Comiskey, Special to The Times, June 27, 2007
• It's hard to describe a "typical" Geyserville. Each vintage is unique, distinct, extraordinary. Yet they do have elements in common, including the blackest of blackberry fruit, peppery spice, tar, cedar. The term "layered" was invented for Geyserville. And the wines change, re-inventing themselves in bottle, developing more nuance and complexity as years pass. - from the Winery

Food Pairing

• Bacon-wrapped venison.
• Grilled lamb chops drizzled with creamy smoky tomato sauce.
• Italian sausage subs with grilled peppers and onions.

750 ml