Ridge is a Sonoma County pioneer, early advocate of sustainable viticulture, and long-time practitioner of minimal-intervention winemaking. Ridge also happens to produce some of the most consistently superb Zinfandel you’ll encounter. Consider “Three Valleys”, the winery’s entry-level Zinfandel blend, a good introduction. Unlike Ridge’s single-vineyard wines, which reflect the distinct character of each site, Three Valleys demonstrates skillful blending at the highest level. While Zinfandel sets the wine’s varietal character; old-vine Carignane contributes bright fruit and acidity; Petite Sirah gives spice, depth of colour, and firm tannins; and Grenache brings briar fruit and lively tannins.

Fruit is sourced from a number of Ridge-approved Sonoma vineyards. The winery takes great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested, crushed, then eased through primary and malolactic fermentation by native yeast at Monte Bello and Lytton Springs. Minimal sulphur is introduced. The wine spends 10 months in American oak (only 5% new) prior to blending.

“It is a departure for Ridge, as it’s not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine’s generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined.”
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter, September 2024

“Dark crimson in color. 14.2% ABV. 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 14% Petite Sirah and 5% Mataro. Awesome nose of red fruits, anise and pepper. Medium to full body body with ample acidity. Warm and supple. Cherry, strawberry, baking spices and pepper. The finish is long and spicy.”
93 points, Tom Lee, Zinfandel Chronicles, March 2024