Year after year, the Zinfandels from Ridge Vineyards are our biggest sellers, and with good reason. Founder Paul Draper is generally credited with almost single-handedly elevating the reputation of the grape. While he offers a plethora of options and blends, I keep coming back to one offering in particular…

Ridge Vineyards, Zinfandel “Paso Robles” 2010 - $27.99 net – One of the few Ridge makes that is 100% Zinfandel. Nothing else but pure, unadulterated Zinful goodness! And no new oak barrels are used, so the fruit is that much more unadorned. The relatively cool (for Paso) 2010 vintage has resulted in even more aromatic explosion and bright, juicy acidity.  On the nose, ripe, almost candied notes of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry, with a hint of vanilla, some molasses and some pepper.  On the palate, super lush, but juicy, with that aforementioned bright acidity.   Gobs, nay, FISTfuls of  unadulterated blackberry and cherry fruit, finished with a healthy dose of classic black pepper and vanilla. At a relatively tame 14.4% alcohol, this balanced beauty can work wonders with a wide variety of food, from the expected fare of burgers and ribs to more elegant offerings, like an herb-crusted pork chop grilled and served with a peach salsa!

 “This was the coolest growing season of the last forty years. Compared to a typical sum­mer, temperatures in Paso Robles, our warm­est zinfandel region, were mild. Harvest began with the north parcel, moved to the south, and ended with the canyon. Natural-yeast fermentations finished in seven days. Natural malolactic, in contrast, progressed slowly, fi­nally finishing in March. Unusually high acidity lends a refreshing quality to the rich fruit. This fine wine will be at its best over the next five to seven years.” Winemaker Note

Contact us to order. The wine arrives Friday.