America’s First Growth: 2017 Ridge
Posted on: 09/6/19 7:40 PM
We’re thrilled to announce that it is time to offer the Ridge Fall pre-sell. Ridge is the cornerstone of our California wine collection and each new release – no matter the vintage– is a huge event. 2017 in Northern California (besides those unfortunate enough to be stuck in the Napa fires) was an outstanding vintage–offering intense concentration and freshness. The quality of these wines, as always, are exceptional. Don’t miss some of America’s best wines offered at fantastic pricing.
2017 Ridge Lytton Springs
“A season of extreme weather began with heavy winter rains that replenished the water table. The vines rebounded with a full crop but record high temperatures in July and August reduced yields, especially in the petite sirah. This concentrated flavor and color and after 14 months in barrel the wine is exceptionally rich and complex. It will develop more fully over the next ten years. JO (11/18)”
2017 Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah
“Heavy winter rains replenished ground-water and gave the vines a much-needed break from the drought. The petite sirah at Lytton Springs responded with a full crop. A series of very warm days in August, however, caused stree on the vines and a loss of twenty percent of the fruit. An adjacent block of zinfandel was included to soften tannins. This full-bodied petite sirah will be enjoyable over the next fifteen years. JO (9/18)”
2017 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel
“Heavy winter rains and a warm spring created ideal growing conditions. To even ripening, we dropped a third of the crop in the young vines. Always the last zinfandel vineyard we harvest, 2017 was no exception. We picked the young vines October 3rd and the old vines four days later. Incredible concentration from the old vines and the bright acidity typical of this vineyard makes this wine enjoyable over the next ten years. JO (8/18)”
2017 Ridge Ponzo Zinfandel
“This vineyard, in the cool Russian River Valley, set a full crop that ripened evenly despite a heat spike in late August that caused sugars to rise rapidly. We harvested all three vineyard blocks by September 9th, three weeks earlier than usual. The old vines contribute depth and richness; the young vines add elegant, layered fruit. Enjoyable upon release, this sumptuous zinfandel will develop over the next five years. JO (5/18)”
More About the Wine
For the record, we do not “sell” Ridge. These wines with the deep and faithful following they have, sell themselves. After all, Ridge oozes with its signature energetic complexity and endearing poise that has melted wine enthusiasts’ hearts for decades. A bottle of Ridge – no matter the vintage or blend– always guarantees an expansive look into Santa Cruz or Sonoma terroir. I mean this by how the wines retain place both texturally but also in specific flavor, always offering a unique arrangement of signature herbal, luscious brambly fruit and graphite minerality. They have, in a uniquely American sense, a rustic grace to them. A waltz performed in cowboy boots.
Back to Blog