Ridge East Bench Zinfandel 2019
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
James
Suckling -
Wilfred
Wong -
Connoisseurs'
Guide - Vinous
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Somm Note
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Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 100% Zinfandel, the 2019 Zinfandel East Bench has a great perfume of red plums, wild strawberries, and flowery incense, with just hints of cigar and dried orange peel emerging with time in the glass. While it's not a blockbuster, it brings gorgeous intensity and richness in a medium-bodied, weightless, elegant package that delivers ripe tannins and notable acidity.
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James Suckling
Fresh, almost pinot-like sensibility with the mouth feel. A beautifully spread wine that fills the palate, but maintains freshness and brightness. Real purity of fruit here. Lots of black and red cherry. Citrus undertones. 100% zinfandel. Drink now.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel shows an attractive, darker side of this grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bold and persistent with black fruit, berries, and oak aroma. Enjoy it with a savory beef stew. (Tasted: April 16, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Fairly full in body and nicely fruited in a ripe yet very much alive style, the wine smells of blackberry with a light touch of peppery spice at the margins. It follows through well on the palate, and while its tannins get a tad gritty, they are no more than the wine can handle. It certainly could drink now, but we would counsel that a few years of age will help.
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Vinous
The 2019 Zinfandel East Bench is an absolute delight. Bright, floral and effusive, the 2019 is so expressive today. Crushed red berry fruit, sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and rose petal all grace this tasty, entry-level offering.
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2021-
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Jeb
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Robert
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Robert
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Wilfred
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Dunnuck -
Wine &
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Connoisseurs'
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James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Robert
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Wilfred
Wong
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong
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Robert
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Ridge's history begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He planted vineyards and constructed a winery of redwood and native limestone in time to produce the first vintage of Monte Bello in 1892. The historic building now serves as the Ridge production facility.
Though Ridge began as a Cabernet winery, by the mid-60s, it had produced several Zinfandels including the Geyserville. In 1972, Lytton Springs joined the line-up and the two came to represent an important part of Ridge production. Known primarily for its red wines, Ridge has also made limited amounts of Chardonnay since 1962.
The Ridge approach is straightforward: find the most intense and flavorful grapes, guide the natural process, draw all the fruit's richness into the wine. Decisions on when to pick, when to press, when to rack, what varietals and what parcels to include and when to bottle, are based on taste. To retain the nuances that increase complexity, Ridge winemakers handle the grapes and wine as gently as possible. There are no recipes, only attention and sensitivity.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.