Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Red 2022
Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Red 2022
$27.99 on 6+ (code: 6saves2)
$29.99 reg
65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Alicante Bouschet
Ridge's Three Valleys is kind of an anomaly in the Ridge portfolio and the wine market. The quality of this wine is obvious, the pedigree, the talent, but the blending which is what this wine represents (blending now FOUR Sonoma Valleys) is something that in the current wine market is seen less. That's because we have trained the current wine consumer to think that single vineyards are the best. And while it is true they can deliver a significantly distinct expression, it does not necessarily make it better. Just ask Maria Teresa of Bartolo Mascarello! Blending is an art, and in many ways helps guarantee quality of a wine as you take a little from each of the sources to together to achieve something that truly is greater as a whole than the sum of its parts.
The Four (not Three Valleys)
Alexander Valley
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma Valley
Russian River Valley
Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards—winemaking—at its finest. Zinfandel determines the wine’s varietal character; old-vine carignane contributes bright fruit and acidity; petite sirah spice, depth of color, and firm tannins.
Decanter: 94 Points “It is a departure for Ridge, as it’s not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine’s generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined.” -Clive Pursehouse (September 2024)
Zinfandel Chronicles: 93 Points “Dark crimson in color. 14.2% ABV. 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 14% Petite Sirah and 5% Mataro. Awesome nose of red fruits, anise and pepper. Medium to full body body with ample acidity. Warm and supple. Cherry, strawberry, baking spices and pepper. The finish is long and spicy. Widely available and as always a great value. Best over the next 3-4 years.” -Tom Lee (March 2024)
Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points “The bright and spicy nose of this Zinfandel blend gives aromas of dried cranberry, raspberry compote and spiced fig. The palate is polished and balanced, with plenty of blackberry, plum, fresh herb and black licorice flavors mingling and lingering through the finish.” -Tom Capo (November 2024 Issue)
Vinous Media: 91 Points “A blend of 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane and 14% Petite Sirah, the 2022 Three Valleys is super-welcoming and disarming from the get-go. A superb introduction to the Ridge house style, it balances the savory and the fruity—tobacco, cedar, dark berry fruit and loads of spice, all hemmed in by fresh acidity and insistent but yielding tannins. It’s hard to go wrong here.” -Billy Norris (October 2024)