Located on the western edge of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, Geyserville vineyard was Ridge’s first source of red wine grapes, aside from Monte Bello. The combination of Geyserville’s climate, gravelly soils, and varietal mix (Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Alicante, Mataro, etc.) imparts elegance and definition not usually associated with Zinfandel.

Does a “typical” Geyserville exist? Each vintage is unique, distinct, and extraordinary. Common elements include the blackest of blackberry fruit, peppery spice, tar, and cedar. The term “layered” was invented for Geyserville, as the wines evolve, re-inventing themselves in bottle, developing more nuance and complexity as years pass.

“The founding partners at Ridge purchased the Monte Bello Winery from Leo and Evelyn Trentadue, who also farmed some of the oldest surviving vines in Sonoma County at their ranch on the Alexander Valley floor near Geyserville. The Old Patch, planted in the 1880s, has provided the base of the blend for Ridge’s single-vineyard wine since 1966. In 2020, it was harvested just as the first fires broke out; generations of vines at the Trentadue’s ranch provided 28 different lots, with John Olney selecting 20 for this wine. He finds that carignan, which makes up 20 percent of the mixed planting (along with small amounts of petite sirah, alicante bouschet and mataro), provides the acidity to refresh the zinfandel, which accounts for 69 percent of the vines. The early harvest produced a ripe, rich Geyserville with racy energy. The dark blueberry flavors are layered with red cherry, their seemingly weightless concentration sustained in a sleek, clean and graceful impression that lasts. A great 2020.” 95 points, Joshua Greene, Wine & Spirits Magazine, June 2022

“Deeply structured and briary, with a mix of red and black fruit accented by licorice, dill and savory underbrush flavors. Finishes with medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignan, Petite Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. Drink now through 2030. 8,900 cases made.” 92 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

“This hearty, full-bodied and lightly tannic blend of Zinfandel and several other traditional varieties offers tasty boysenberry and black plum flavors and light smoky, peppery accents on a rich texture. Seeming a bit less concentrated than the last two vintages, it’s still ripe, smooth and attractive.” 90 points, Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, June 2022