Ridge Vineyards - Iconic Californian Reds
Ridge Vineyards produced some remarkably successful Sonoma wines in 2020, particularly from Geyserville and the old vines of Lytton Estate. They have the classic Ridge balance that makes them appealing in youth but with the structure that means they will also reward careful cellaring. Guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention, native yeasts and transparent winemaking, these are highly collectible and ageworthy.
Geyserville was first produced in 1966, one of California’s great field blends, sourced from three adjoining vineyards on gravelly, river-stone soils left by an ancient Russian River washout. Predominantly Zinfandel with small amounts of Carignane, Petite Sirah and Mataro. Charming in its youth but really excelling with 5–15 years bottle age.
Lytton Springs is one of California’s great historic vineyards, first planted in 1901. Its gravelly clay soils are particularly well suited to the small, thick-skinned berries of Petite Sirah, giving the wines their distinctive structure and grip. Dark black cherry fruit, black pepper and savoury spice combine with a richly textured palate to create a wine of real depth and character with a long ageing horizon. A remarkable old-vine Californian classic.