"Suffice it to say, Ridge is firing on all cylinders." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Is there a more consistently excellent estate in California than Ridge Vineyards? You'd be hard-pressed to make an argument otherwise. Decades of category-defining class and substance have resulted in untold numbers of awards and accolades, so it's no surprise to see them once again at the head of the class in this set of new arrivals.
One of the most beloved wines in the Ridge stable, the Geyserville is a classic California old-vine field blend, based on ZInfandel that has come to set the standard for the style over decades of uninterrupted success. From Ridge's estate vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley that includes centenarian Zinfandel vines, the "pure, expressive" 2021 is the perfect counterpoint to the "take-no-prisoners" 2022, each wine boasted 95 points among a host great accolades.
Of course, Ridge is also renowned for delivering serious bang for the buck throughout their extensive range, a perennial favorite is the 2023 Three Valleys. The sub-$25, double 93-point Three Valleys is a true QPR star, "generous and robust yet retaining a sense of polish." It's a no-brainer choice for an everyday red, because it delivers a level or two above that tier, yet it can be easily stacked by the case at a bargain price. Finally, the double 93-point 2022 Paso Robles Zinfandel is "brambly and dynamic" with a big personality defined by its "terrific core of sweet fruit, supple tannins and outstanding length." In other words, it's a quintessential California Zin that delivers the all the features that Ridge fans crave.
With outstanding value offerings like these, as well as monumental collectibles, and everything in between, Ridge is still a California icon that deserves its place in the pantheon of great names.
A normal Zinfandel-dominated blend of 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan, 10% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mataro, the 2022 Geyserville sports a healthy ruby/plum hue (it's semi-opaque) as well as a rocking nose of ripe plums, blackberries, roasted herbs, pepper, and violets. It's beautifully textured on the palate and has medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, and perfectly ripe tannins. It's a beauty, as well as one of the standouts in the lineup in 2022. Don't miss it.
95 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
The 2022 Geyserville is a blend of 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah and 3% Mataro. It has kaleidoscopic aromas of boysenberry jam, grilled beef, dried lavender, iron, violet and peach. The medium-bodied palate features generous, floral flavors. It has a silky texture, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a long, spicy finish. The 2022 is notably polished, and its 20% new American oak is very well integrated.
94 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Sep 2024)
A blend of 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah and 3% Mourvèdre, the 2022 Geyserville is packed to the gills with purple fruit and a ridiculous amount of spice—exotic spice, brown spice, baking spice, you name it. Blueberry, black plum, new leather, menthol and tobacco explode from the glass, all wrapped up in forceful, imposing tannins. A kick of mocha/espresso-scented toasty oak rounds out the finish. This is a take-no-prisoners rendition of Geyserville that will definitely benefit from some sideways time in the cellar.
94 points, Billy Norris, Vinous (Oct 2024)
Deeply structured and bright with acidity, this combines power with grace. Black cherry and dark plum flavors take on licorice, green peppercorn and Asian five-spice accents as this builds toward broad-shouldered tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Mataro. Drink now through 2035. 7,500 cases made.
94 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator (Aug 2024)
This zinfandel-dominant field blend is ripe, delicious and lush, with light, spicy oak accents over plump blackberries, blueberries and vanilla bean. Saturated and opulent but not fat, as moderate tannins and some raspberry-like acidity balance the full body. 67% zinfandel, 20% carignan, 10% petite sirah and 3% mataro. Drink or hold.
94 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (May 2024)
Ridge has been making the Geyserville since 1966, a true Zinfandel icon with a readiness to drink now and classic Ridge ageability. This wine is made as a field blend, spending 16 months in American oak, and only 28% is new. Rich fruit aromas, with pungent spices, ripe red and black plums, Christmas spices and notes of smoked cinnamon. The palate offers a fresh acidity which buoys the ripe blackberries and spicy black plums. There's plenty of structure for this wine to go the distance, typical of the house style (at least a decade).
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Sep 2024)
Dark and intense on the nose, this wine displays aromas of crushed black cherry, black plum and crème de cassis. The palate brings flavors of macerated cherries and blackberries, spiced fig compote, cedar and a decadent plush texture. Precision-balanced acidity runs through the finish.
93 points, Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast (Nov 2024)
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