2019 Ridge Zinfandel Three Valleys

80% zinfandel, 11% carignane, 8% petite sirah, 1% alicante bouschet

Medium-garnet color. Briar, cherry/plum nose, with clay mineral, dried herbs, oak spice. Elegant fresh-raspberry entry; soft, textured tannins; sweet oak. Good finish.

A dry winter was followed by a dry spring and summer. Despite continuing drought, our Sonoma vineyards set an abundant crop, which ripened fully for a September harvest. Natural yeasts fermented the wine dry in seven days. Uninoculated malolactics finished quickly, allowing an early assemblage in which petite sirah added structure and depth of color to the softer zinfandels. This sensuous wine will be most enjoyable over the next four to five years. JO/EB (8/14)