The following wines are available at the winery and through its website: www.ridgewine.com.
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Klein Monte Bello Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains
Longtime Ridge fans may recall that from 1978 to 1997 Ridge produced a small quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Jimsomare Vineyard. Ridge acquired ownership of the vineyard in 1996 and incorporated it into the Monte Bello estate vineyard, and in some years since, Ridge makes a separate bottling, now called Klein: Pierre Klein, originally from Alsace, planted the vineyard in Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 19th century. This wine bears the signature of Monte Bello terroir with hot brick aromas and flavors and plenty of umami. Medium-weight, the tannins are soft enough to give a smooth texture and permit current drinking; the wine should continue to develop well over the next couple of decades. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.9% stated alcohol. 91/A-
2017 Merlot Perrone Monte Bello Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains
I’ve struggle with this wine for almost a week (it’s lasted that long since opening) and still don’t know what to think of it. There’s a very (overly) strong acid element that only begins to fade after three days or so. The wine has tastes that are almost metallic (but not metallic) along with cassis and other dark fruits. The winemaker’s notes say it will drink well over the next decade; I’d suggest holding it for a decade at least to see if it comes into better focus. 12.5% stated alcohol. ?
2015 Syrah Lytton Estate Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County
The 15.1% stated alcohol put a scare in me, but the high alcohol is not apparent except in the size and power of this full-bodied, but balanced, wine. I found violets, dark plums, some minerality, and a creamy texture. 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier, co-fermented. 90/A
2017 Wild Cattle Creek Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County
Ridge chose not to label this wine as Zinfandel, but it would qualify: 85% Zinfandel, 10% Carignane, 5% Petite Sirah. Spicy, smoky dark berry aromas precede a mouth of blackberry and boysenberry fruit; good acidity, medium-full weight, and some tannin. A good wine for strongly-flavored food such as grilled meats and dishes with tomato sauce. Drinkable now and it should hold for at least 5-10 years. 14.7% stated alcohol. 90/A
2017 Zinfandel Boatman Alexander Valley Sonoma County
Purple fruits, some spice from the oak, creamy texture, medium-full body. An enjoyable wine for near- and medium-term drinking. A good match for grilled meats, strong cheeses, pasta with tomato sauces, and other similar foods. 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah. 14.5% stated alcohol. 90/A-
2018 Zinfandel Blasi Metcalfe Vineyard Chalk Hill Sonoma County
This is an intense, rich wine with brambleberry fruit and a rich lashing of American oak. No subtlety here, this is for pizza, pasta with red sauces, and meat stews. Given the amount of oak and alcohol here, I suggest serving this wine at about 60º F (15º C) and also decanting an hour or so in advance, if possible. For drinking over the next 4-5 years. 97% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah. 14.8% stated alcohol. 88/B
2018 Zinfandel Rockpile Botticelli Vineyard Sonoma County
This has been a difficult wine for me to get a grip on. It is medium-weight with some finesse -- what one was called claret-style Zinfandel. I find red fruits, spiciness, even some salinity, yet at this moment, the whole seems less than the sum of its parts. Drink over the next 5-6 years? 88% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah. 14.4% stated alcohol. 88/B