RIDGE VINEYARDS Geyserville - Alexander Valley, Sonoma 2020 Bottle

Description

The 2020 Ridge Geyserville showcases a lush and vibrant blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, and Petite Sirah. It bursts with ripe blackberries, cherries, and plum, accented by spicy notes of black pepper and a touch of cedar. Rich yet smooth, with balanced tannins and lively acidity, it offers incredible versatility and depth. Perfect for enjoying now with grilled meats or hearty stews, or cellaring for greater complexity in years to come.

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2020 VINTAGE
This is Ridge’s 55th consecutive vintage of Geyserville. The grapes are grown in three adjoining vineyards on a single soil type, deposited by an ancient washout of the Russian River that carried river stone and gravel. It is approximately oneand- a-quarter miles long and a half-mile wide. At 460mm, rainfall during the year was below average, although with much of it falling in March and April, there was enough to sustain the vines during summer. Among Ridge’s three Zinfandel estates, Geyserville coped the best with the drought: the crop was only 20% down here. Fire broke out to the northwest in mid-August, but winds blew the smoke due south, bypassing Ridge’s vineyards. The grapes were hand-harvested at night between 21 August and 11 September. The grapes were crushed and fermentation proceeded with natural yeast. There were daily pump-overs during fermentation, after which the wine was aged for 13 months in air-dried American oak barrels, with 20% new wood.

Winemakers Notes - A warm spring followed by late rains disrupted fruit set. This resulted in lower yields and an early harvest that began the third week of August. The twenty-eight lots fermented separately on naturally present yeast. Of these, twenty were selected by taste for their exquisite fruit and balanced acidity. This is a classic Geyserville, enjoyable young and over the next ten or more years.

Tasting Notes - The most backward of the three Zinfandels, as usual, the 2020 Geyserville shows captivating fruit on the palate, with succulent strawberry/cherry fruit balanced by cocoa complexity. Its naturally fresh acidity is matched by a sumptuous texture while ensuring a long, resonant finish.

69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro.

DECANTER 96
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2040 - Enormously complex and full of personality. Lots of juiciness and briaryness, with notes of espresso, soy sauce and gaminess. Very rich, impressive and structured, 2020 was Ridge’s 55th consecutive vintage of Geyserville, a wine that many Ridge collectors consider the winery’s best Zinfandel blend. Its pedigree is uncontested. Made from old vines, some of which are more than 125 years old and 60% of which are 50 years old or older, leading of course to tiny yields. A historic field blend of approximately 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (the old name used in California for Mourvedre). The grapes are grown in three adjoining vineyards, all of which are defined by an ancient washout of the Russian River that carried and deposited gravel and river stones to the site. - Tasted by: Karen MacNeil (at Napa Valley, CA, 22 Sep 2022) Part of Ridge Vineyards: producer profile and six new releases tasted.

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ABOUT RIDGE VINEYARDS
Ridge Vineyards is a distinguished winery located in California, recognized for its premium wines and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Established in 1962, Ridge is particularly noted for its exceptional Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its innovative winemaking techniques.

The winery has two main estate vineyards: Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Lytton Springs in Sonoma County. Both locations are celebrated for their unique terroirs and climate, which play a crucial role in the quality of the grapes.

Ridge specializes in Zinfandel but also produces a variety of other varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and various blends. Their Zinfandels are especially known for their depth and complexity.

Ridge Vineyards places a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture, employing organic and dry-farming techniques that minimize water usage and enhance the wines' natural flavors. The winery follows a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the characteristics of both the fruit and the terroir to shine through, with an emphasis on natural fermentation and aging in oak barrels.

The wines from Ridge have earned numerous awards and accolades from critics, often highlighted for their quality and aging potential. The Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon is frequently recognized as one of California's top wines.

Founded by a group of friends, including winemaker Paul Draper, Ridge has established a reputation in the wine industry, with Draper's influence continuing to reflect the winery's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Ridge Vineyards remains a leading name in California's wine scene, known for its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and a rich winemaking heritage.