Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Red 2021
Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Red 2021
$29.99 reg
Wine & Spirits: 93 Points “Drawing on fruit from ten Sonoma County vineyards, in 2021 Three Valleys presents a cornucopia of fruit in a classical blend that feels like an exuberant family relation to Geyserville. It’s ripe, and rich in structure under all that fruit energy—black mineral tannins in the service of the fruit combining in dark chocolate and mushroom notes. All of it needs time to integrate, but, even now, the tannins keep opening like a door to the land.” -J.G. (March 2024)
Wine Spectator: 92 Points “A broad-shouldered red, with a potent structure but expressive blackberry, savory dill and white pepper flavors that speed toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Peite Sirah, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2033.” -T.F. (February 2024)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.