Zinfandel, Carignan, Petite Syrah, Alicante Bouschet
75cl * 14.0% ABV * Alexander Valley, California, USA
Ridge's first vines were planted in 1885, but it took almost 100 years for the producer to wow the world: its wines swept the board at Steven Spurrier's 1976 Judgement of Paris competition. Ever since, Ridge has produced wines that have been rightfully regarded alongside the finest Bordeaux blends and Burgundy's top whites.
Each vintage of Geyserville is unique, distinct, extraordinary… yet they do have elements in common, including the blackest of blackberry fruit, ripe plum, rich cherry, and cedar. A remarkably consistent and elegant wine with exceptional layering, Geyserville’s unique flavour characteristics are often attributed to the relatively higher percentage of carignane, added to the petite sirah found in most of their other zinfandels.
This was the 55th consecutive vintage of Geyserville 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 has ripe cranberry and cassis on the nose, with focused dark bramble fruit on the palate, layered with cocoa and clove. A vibrant acidity balances beautifully with the opulent fruit and carries through to a long and elegant finish.
Decanter: “Enormously complex and full of personality. Lots of juiciness and briaryness, with notes of espresso, soy sauce and gaminess. Very rich, impressive and structured.” 96/100 Points
Enjoy now – 2035