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 — a month ago



Few bubbles in the glass. Bruised golden apple, golden pear, slightly reductive / sherry-like. Reminded me a lot of the Peter Lauer 1987 Riesling sekt, but with fewer bubbles. An interesting but not crowd-pleasing Champagne. @ Persona, Stockholm — 17 days ago
Perfectly yeasty- LAX lounge — 5 days ago
Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse Denver — 21 days ago
From late 1990's; Premiere wine merchants, nyc — a month ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2023 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and dried mixed brambles, Luxardo cherries, red and purple flowers, black pepper, vanilla and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is one of the more approachable young Geyserville’s I’ve had in a long time and remains on of my favorite Zinfandel-based blends from Ridge. Drink now through 2048. — 3 days ago

The nose bursts with ripe yellow peach, mandarin, and dried pineapple, layered with brioche and a hint of white flowers. The palate is plush yet electric, with creamy texture quickly cut by vibrant lemon zest and a light salinity. The finish is precise and long. — 5 days ago
Syrupy peaches. Wildflower nectar, butter shortbread, muscat grapes. Amazing with creme Catalan. @ Persona, Stockholm — 17 days ago
A great brut Champagne. — 10 days ago
Medium lemon yellow fine , persistent perlage . Quite rich and ripe on the nose with some roasted nuts , lemon peel , some camomile , still quite restrained and a little closed. On the palate again quite full and rich , ripe lemon fruit , orange rind , roasted nuts and a creamy mouthfeel , certainly enough acidity to balance but on the richer side . Good length and lightly toasty finish . This is good now but will probably improve over the next few years and last well a further 5-10 . — a month ago
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. — 18 days ago
Beautifully fresh and intense with lemon, limestone and light floral notes. A powerful palate of bright citrus and an oily persistence in the mid palate with thrilling acidity and tension. Long and vital — 5 days ago
The color has darkened but it’s still vibrant. The oak is stronger but the lemon isn’t gone and it’s got notes of pear and toast. — 23 days ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Deep gold in color.
Strong nose and full bodied with medium plus acidity and tiny bubbles.
Dry on the palate and complex.
Showing yellow apples, ripe citrus fruits, spices, sea salt, herbs, minerals, yeast, earth and light brioche.
Long finish with limes and light almonds.
This is a delicious 22 year old Champagne. Rich and fruit forward. Well balanced, complex and entertaining.
Drinking beautifully now, and much better after 90 minutes of airtime. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years, and better when not too cold.
Loved how the bubbles integrated with the wine. Vibrant and engaging.
Wine Spectator 97 points. Wine Advocate 95 points.
I've had this vintage a few times before, and it is very consistent.
A great sipping wine that also paired nicely with food.
A blend of 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay. Aged for 15 years on its lees.
12.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$550. — a month ago
Jerry Raphael
Drinking great. Never over the top type Zin. But complex and very enjoyable — 24 days ago