Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Ridge Three Valleys 2023
Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A classic Sonoma field blend composed of 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Crafted in Ridge’s signature transparent style, this vintage leans toward a riper and more fruit-driven expression than many of the winery’s other bottlings.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry preserves, ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry compote dominate, supported by touches of black pepper and baking spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a broad, generous texture. The fruit lingers across the palate with a warm, persistent finish.

Food Pairings
A natural companion for barbecue, smoked meats, burgers, and hearty pizza.

Verdict
While impeccably made, this is one of the few Ridge wines that didn’t quite resonate with my palate. It leans a bit too jammy and overripe for my preference, though lovers of rich, fruit-forward California reds will likely find plenty to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Ridge has long been one of California’s pioneers of ingredient transparency, listing the exact grape composition directly on the label.

🍷 Personal Pick
I truly love Ridge wines, but I’d still reach for Lytton Springs or Geyserville before this bottling. If bold, juicy Zinfandel blends are your style, however, this one could easily become a favorite. — 3 days ago

Andrea Watt

9.2

Tobacco, plum, oak, cherry, and a touch of pepper. — 16 days ago

Sean Coleman

9.5

Buttery feel and slight peppery flavor, light tobacco smell. Light dryness to the tannins, beautiful wine. — 6 days ago

Dave

9.3

Day 1 of this year's Smallmouth Smackdown has begun. After 7 hours on the boat, and a dozen bass, it's time to crack into some libations (had a few PBR's on the boat).
This is a lush Zin. Concentrated fruit, but savory and chewy. Blackberry, blood orange, cigar box, and enough structure to age much longer. This is my 3rd Ridge Zin, and I'd have to say I still favor the Pagani Ranch.
Listening to Chris Stapleton — 16 days ago

Dave

9.3

Found it! This is a light-handed Zin, and very delicious. Thanks for the recommendation! @Doug Powers @Anthony De Blasi
Listening to a little Depeche Mode!! — a month ago

Chris Blanchard

9.5

Another banger from WS. The ‘24 is on point. — 7 days ago

Robert Torretti

9.0

Solid non-California-tasting California Pinot Noir. Fruit and earth. Had a nice pop of fruit in the glass but lingers with some earthy aftertaste. — a day ago

Andrea Watt

9.6

Cherry, raspberry, vanilla, plum, and a touch of pepper. Fruity and warm but still has structure and oak. — 4 days ago

Dave

9.3

My Pagani Ranch post totally disappeared. Bummer, I tagged my friends in it!
Geyserville is very nice, too!
Listening to Oscar Peterson — 25 days ago

Dave Parker

9.3

Anajak’s blend is singing tonight! — 14 days ago