Ridge Vineyards

Demostene Ranch Zinfandel Carignane

9.023 ratings
8.95 pro ratings
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Zinfandel, Carignane
Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, White Rice, Pasta, Potato, Herbs, Mushrooms, Soft Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Tomato-Based, Duck, Exotic Spices, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Pork, Baking Spices, Pungent Cheese, Beef, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Austin Hohnke

Relatively new wine to the Ridge lineup, and a 50/50 blend of Carignan and Zinfandel. Ample freshness here with the Carignan providing some brighter fruit and restraint to the Zin. Clocks in at 13% abv. Oak is a bit pushy for my taste. Nice wine and a good turkey pairing. The 2016 is ready to drink.

Relatively new wine to the Ridge lineup, and a 50/50 blend of Carignan and Zinfandel. Ample freshness here with the Carignan providing some brighter fruit and restraint to the Zin. Clocks in at 13% abv. Oak is a bit pushy for my taste. Nice wine and a good turkey pairing. The 2016 is ready to drink.

Nov 24th, 2022
Tom Casagrande

Although this is 50/50, the Carignane force is strong in this one. That classic, earthy sour plummy fruit takes the lead, with a noticeable note of American oak. In the mouth, it’s got the buoyancy of the Carignane and terrific fruit density. Dry, nice acid balance, little tannin. I like this a lot.

Although this is 50/50, the Carignane force is strong in this one. That classic, earthy sour plummy fruit takes the lead, with a noticeable note of American oak. In the mouth, it’s got the buoyancy of the Carignane and terrific fruit density. Dry, nice acid balance, little tannin. I like this a lot.

Apr 15th, 2021
Tobin Trevarthen

Didn’t stand out in the tasting. Interesting blend. The Carignane did soften and add some perfume to the equation. Short finish.

Didn’t stand out in the tasting. Interesting blend. The Carignane did soften and add some perfume to the equation. Short finish.

Jul 16th, 2019
Geoff Troup

Sales Eder Brothers, Cellar Fine Wines

8.6

Though it’s equal parts Carignan and Zin, the Carignan is so dominant on the palate. Oak and sweet vanilla on the nose, juicy red fruit in the front with cherry and underripe plum, mid palate shows medium acidity and slight petrol, finish is a little lacking.

Though it’s equal parts Carignan and Zin, the Carignan is so dominant on the palate. Oak and sweet vanilla on the nose, juicy red fruit in the front with cherry and underripe plum, mid palate shows medium acidity and slight petrol, finish is a little lacking.

Mar 7th, 2019
Tom Casagrande

Terrific blend that juxtaposes the low-toned blackberry of Zin with the tight cherry of Carignane, to great success. Still a bit tight (so be sure to decant ahead of time, as we did not), it’s got nice acids and soft tannins. Terrific with grilled butterflied leg of lamb!

Terrific blend that juxtaposes the low-toned blackberry of Zin with the tight cherry of Carignane, to great success. Still a bit tight (so be sure to decant ahead of time, as we did not), it’s got nice acids and soft tannins. Terrific with grilled butterflied leg of lamb!

1 person found it helpfulJan 15th, 2022
Amanda Thomas

Bright red fruit, a little jammy and delicious overall.

Bright red fruit, a little jammy and delicious overall.

Apr 6th, 2023
John Fiehrer

A little one dimensional all on the back

A little one dimensional all on the back

Oct 24th, 2021
Andrew Formi

2016 nice to drink a CA again

2016 nice to drink a CA again

Sep 25th, 2021
Rich Bluth

Let this one sit a year or so. Opened up over time, carignane dominates. Only 13%, good food wine.

Let this one sit a year or so. Opened up over time, carignane dominates. Only 13%, good food wine.

Mar 12th, 2019
Rich Bluth

Rich had this a year ago

Rich had this a year ago

Oct 17th, 2023