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B-21 Top Recommendation
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"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, and two perennial favorites are the 2020 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah and the 2023 Three Valleys. The former is a 95-point powerhouse that Antonio Galloni calls "superb ... deep and resonant." 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. |
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Made since 2001 from a number of Sonoma County vineyards, the 2023 Three Valleys blends 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% each Mataro and Alicante Bouschet from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley. Floral, it is complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. Though it is one of Ridge's largest production wines, it is made in the exact same way as all its others, in open top tanks with real oak and native fermentations. It's meant to represent a vintage more than a location. A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it. It's drinking well now and should continue to for another 5-7 years.
93 points, Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2025)
Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper, plus a whiff of dill as this builds toward fine-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2034. 25,000 cases made.
93 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator (Aug 2025)
Bright raspberry and boysenberry aromas come into focus on the nose of this Zin blend. The palate packs a wallop of rich raspberry-lemon, blueberry and cinnamon flavors, while the finish displays grippy tannins, aromatic spices and whispers of lilacs.
91 points, Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2025)
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