{"title":"Ridge Vineyards | Sonoma County","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ridge Vineyards Montebello Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Collection_Banner_e071a82c-9f9a-4fd2-a129-49a2a80c374e.jpg?v=1563458310\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one of the world's greatest vineyards and wineries, the history of Ridge Vineyards is one that is worth recounting in full. Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in 1885. He terraced the slopes, planted vineyards and constructed the Monte Bello Winery using native limestone, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge's production facility. At 2600 feet it is surrounded by the \"upper vineyard.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1940s, theologian William Short bought the abandoned winery and vineyard just below the Perrone property and replanted several parcels to Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1940s. From these vines—now the \"middle vineyard\"—new owners Dave Bennion and his three partners, all Stanford Research Institute engineers, made a quarter-barrel of \"estate\" Cabernet. That Monte Bello Cabernet marked one of California's finest wines of the era. Its quality and distinctive character, and the wines produced from these same vines in 1960 and '61, convinced the partners to re-bond the winery in time for the 1962 vintage. The first Zinfandel was made in 1964, from a small nineteenth-century vineyard farther down the ridge. This was followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville Zinfandel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe founding families reclaimed the Monte Bello terraces, increasing vineyard size from 15 to 45 acres. Working on weekends, they made wines of regional character and unprecedented intensity. By 1968, production had increased to just under 3000 cases per year, just as Paul Draper joined the partnership in 1969. A Stanford graduate in philosophy—recently returned from setting up a winery in Chile's coast range—he was a practical winemaker, not an oenologist. His knowledge of fine wines and traditional methods complemented the straightforward \"hands off\" approach pioneered at Ridge. Under his guidance the old Perrone winery (acquired the previous year) was restored, the finest vineyard lands leased or purchased, the consistent quality and international reputation of the wines established. When the Ridge founders retired in 1986, they chose Mr. Akihiko Otsuka as the new owner. His understanding of, and commitment to, the values they had established assured that all would continue as before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel account for most of the production, while Syrah, Grenache, Mataro, Carignane and Petite Sirah, amongst other varieties, constitute a small percentage. Known primarily for its red wines, Ridge has also made limited quantities of Chardonnay since 1962.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines and personalities behind them have received numerous accolades and marked many momentous occasions over the years. The dedication to producing the very highest quality and the respect for all the links in the wine selling chain has made Ridge Vineyards one of the World’s most respected and recognised wineries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the Ridge wines are sold on allocation but there are small quantities on reserve so please get in touch if you would like to secure some bottles!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRIDGE VINEYARDS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"The official website of Ridge Vineyards\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ridgewine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/desktop_icon_cd1f9a91-a06b-4665-880d-cc47c0dde6d7_480x480.jpg?v=1588261941\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Like Ridge Vineyards on Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RidgeVineyards\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/facebook_icon_d3f13554-5a1f-49e3-a487-0da023dfd02d_480x480.jpg?v=1588261424\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/facebook_icon_d3f13554-5a1f-49e3-a487-0da023dfd02d_480x480.jpg?v=1588261424\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Follow Ridge Vineyards on Twitter\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RidgeVineyards\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/twitter_icon_34f9bd96-ace0-4f23-b0ee-0e0d2f8cc379_480x480.jpg?v=1588261424\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/twitter_icon_34f9bd96-ace0-4f23-b0ee-0e0d2f8cc379_480x480.jpg?v=1588261424\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Follow Ridge Vineyards on Instagram\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ridgevineyards\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/instagram_icon_07bcf872-b0f0-428b-b788-b56bac71ff21_480x480.jpg?v=1588261424\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/instagram_icon_07bcf872-b0f0-428b-b788-b56bac71ff21_480x480.jpg?v=1588261424\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-estate-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1886 the first blocks of the Monte Bello vineyard were planted; however, by the the early 1940s the last of the old vineyard was abandoned but a few blocks were replanted in the late forties. Those Cabernet vines - now over sixty-five years old produced the first vintage of Ridge Monte Bello in 1962 and subsequent vintages until 1974. By then other abandoned blocks had been replanted and their fruit considered for use in the iconic Monte Bello. A number of these new plantings consistently produced a more accessible wine that developed its full complexity earlier, and so with the 2008 vintage the name of this stylistically distinct wine became the Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, stressing the principal varietal and the Monte Bello estate vineyard as its source. The 2019 vintage is a composition of Cabernet Sauvignon (88%), Merlot (11%) and Petit Verdot (1%). At assemblage, eighteen parcels were chosen for their alluring fruit and elegant tannins. After sixteen months of ageing, the oak has integrated and the wine has begun to soften. The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend is reflected in the purity of the cassis-and-cedar nose. The oak is perfectly judged, framing the fruit and adding some extra structure without dominating the wine. The Ridge Estate Cabernet will continue to evolve and be most enjoyable over the next ten to fifteen years.[#intro]Perfect for those who want a Monte Bello fix now, without having to wait...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32294558859331,"sku":"A20RIDGEESTCAB","price":87.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/EstateCab2019Bt.jpg?v=1733332584"},{"product_id":"ridge-east-bench-zinfandel-2020","title":"Ridge East Bench Zinfandel 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eRidge has made the East Bench Zinfandel as a single vineyard wine since 2006 and it is one of the few Ridge Zinfandels that is 100% varietal. The vineyard sits high atop the bench land that overlooks Dry Creek Valley from the east. All the grapes are hand harvested from sustainably farmed, estate-grown organic grapes. Matured for 11 months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels (20% new, 40% one and two years old, 40% three and four years old).  Blackberry, cocoa liquorice on the nose. Full-bodied palate with fig and plum fruit, chalky tannins, mineral and chaparral notes on the finish. Approachable as a young wine, this fine zinfandel will be at its best over the next eight years.[#intro]An exemplary Zinfandel, approachable now but will evolve over the next decade...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40237633994819,"sku":"A20RIDGEEASTBENCHZIN","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/EastBenchZinfandel2020.jpg?v=1664571952"},{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-lytton-springs","title":"Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2022","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIf you are looking for a red wine that delivers absolute comfort in a glass, you have just found it. The \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"105\"\u003eRidge Lytton Springs\u003c\/b\u003e is a legendary Californian red, famous for being big, bold, and incredibly satisfying. Produced by the world-renowned \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"31\"\u003eRidge Vineyards\u003c\/b\u003e, this wine is made primarily from Zinfandel grapes grown under the glorious Californian sun at their historic Lytton Springs site. This unique location gives the wine its wonderfully rich, dark, and fruity character. Rather than being overly complicated, this 2022 vintage is all about pure, delicious enjoyment. Pour a glass, and you are immediately met with massive aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and sweet plums. Because the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"128\"\u003eRidge\u003c\/b\u003e winemaking team rests the wine in oak barrels, there is also a gorgeous, warming hint of vanilla and sweet baking spices woven all the way through it. In the mouth, it is velvety, smooth, and full-bodied, leaving a long, fruity finish that warms you right up. Because it is such a robust and flavour-packed wine, it needs hearty, comforting food to match. It is the absolute dream pairing for a proper steak and ale pie, a thick-cut ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce, or a tray of slow-cooked, sticky barbecue ribs. A brilliant, crowd-pleasing choice for anyone who loves their reds big and beautiful. [#intro]The iconic Ridge Lytton Springs is a brilliantly rich Californian red bursting with juicy blackberry...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57752882151805,"sku":"A22RIDGELYTTON-1","price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/LyttonSprings22BT.jpg?v=1776238316"},{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-geyserville-2020","title":"Ridge Vineyards Geyserville 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eRidge has made Geyserville as a single-site zinfandel every year since 1966. The grapes are grown in three adjoining vineyards on a defined stretch of gravelly soil approximately one-and-a-quarter miles long and a half-mile wide. This iconic Zinfandel is actually a field blend composing of 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. The wine offers up aromas of dark plum, black cherry, baking spices, violets, and lavender. On the palate bold dark fruits and fine-grained tannins with wonderful balanced acidity. [#intro]Geyserville, the world's most wanted Zinfandel...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40237649625155,"sku":"A21RIDGEGEYSERVILLE","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Geyserville21BT.jpg?v=1761910640"},{"product_id":"ridge-lytton-estate-petite-sirah","title":"Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe oldest Petite Sirah vines at Ridge Lytton Estate were planted in 1901 and the youngest in 2008. In 2002, portions of the Petite Sirah began to be bottled as a separate wine for a limited release until the wine became part of the core range for Ridge in 2009. Petite Sirah is a close relative to Syrah and like Syrah, it is a dark-coloured grape that yields wines with floral aromas, deep colour and full, rich tannins. To moderate tannins, the team at Ridge ferment the grapes de-stemmed, as whole berries. Ageing in twenty-five percent new oak over sixteen months has softened the wine. The 2019 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah manages to capture the power of the variety within an accessible wine. The nose is deep and inky, but lifted by floral notes; the palate is tannic and mineral-driven, yet has a juiciness to the fruit that renders it delicious even at this early stage. [#intro]Delicious now, but built to age \u0026amp; will be enjoyable for the next 15 years...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40239385608259,"sku":"A19RIDGELYTTONPETITESIRAH","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/LyttonPetiteSirah2019.jpg?v=1664716056"},{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-monte-bello","title":"Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Monte Bello vineyard, located only 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California’s coolest Cabernet Sauvignon producing area. At Ridge the team let this unique vineyard site create the wine rather than try to steer it toward a particular style in the cellar. They accomplish this through a combination of natural, low-tech, hands-off winemaking techniques: keeping all grape varieties and all parcels separate, fermenting in small fermentors using only natural yeasts, and transferring the separate lots into air-dried American oak barrels to undergo full, natural malolactic fermentation. At many points along the way, they taste each lot and assess its individual qualities. This selection process is crucial to creating Monte Bello, a wine that consistently reflects the character of the vineyard and not the whim of the winemaker. Monte Bello has often been called America’s First Growth, as it is the finest domestic example of a classic Bordeaux blend in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates. Exhaustive tasting of test blends during the assemblage process determines how much, if any, Merlot, Petit Verdot, or Cabernet Franc will be included in the finished wine. Each grape variety makes a contribution to the flavour and structure of the wine - with Cabernet Sauvignon often showing cassis and adding tannin, Merlot giving plum character and a bit of softness, Petit Verdot contributing dark colour and earthiness, and Cabernet Franc adding fragrance and a hint of spice. Each vintage is different, but year after year Monte Bello proves to be a consistently outstanding wine with great structure, complexity, and balance. And, in terms of age worthiness, it has been known to lay down for several decades with elegance and ease. Ridge 2019 Monte Bello is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%). Merlot (9%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc (1%). During blind tasting, a record forty-one separate lots were assembled to create this vintage of Monte Bello. Structured and opulent, it will be enjoyable for the next twenty-five to thirty years. [#intro]America's 1st Growth, Monte Bello is an opulent, structured Bordeaux blend for the long haul...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40388894982211,"sku":"A19RIDGEMONTEBELLO","price":220.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Montebello19Bt.jpg?v=1675449497"},{"product_id":"ridge-three-valleys-sonoma-county","title":"Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eSince its inception Ridge has focussed on single vineyard wines; however, Ridge Three Valleys is made by carefully combining parcels from a number of Sonoma County vineyards. The Ridge team take great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested then crushed and fermented on its native yeast and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs wineries. Unlike their single-vineyard wines, which reflect the distinctive character of each site, Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards and winemaking at its finest. Zinfandel determines the wine’s varietal character alongside additions of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. After aging for 12 months in barrel, the tannins have softened and brought out the fruit. A nose of toasty oak, strawberry jam, mixed berry pie, black tea and baking spice. Layered black and blue fruit on the palate with milk chocolate, cherry, garrigue and textured tannins on the finish. [#intro]Three Valleys showcases the art \u0026amp; skill of blending across a number of vineyards...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41540194762819,"sku":"A22RIDGETHREEVALLEYS-1","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/ThreeValley21Bt.jpg?v=1717950467"},{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-grenache-blanc","title":"Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc 2024","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eThere is a reason \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"18\"\u003eRidge Vineyards\u003c\/b\u003e holds such a legendary status in the wine world. While they are globally celebrated for their historic reds, their approach to white wine is equally brilliant, relying on traditional, hands-off methods that simply let the quality of the vineyard shine through. This particular bottle is built around \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"39\"\u003eGrenache Blanc\u003c\/b\u003e, a grape originally famous in the sun-drenched south of France but completely at home in Californian soil. To create the perfect balance, the winemakers carefully fold in splashes of other classic varieties like \u003cstrong\u003ePicpoul\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRoussanne\u003c\/strong\u003e. The result is a masterclass in blending. The Grenache Blanc gives the wine a lovely, rounded texture in the mouth, while the supporting grapes bring a mouth-watering crispness. In the glass, it is incredibly vibrant. Expect bright, juicy flavours of crisp green apple and fresh white peach, followed by a clean, refreshing finish that does not rely on heavy oak. Because of this fantastic balance between fruit and freshness, it is a brilliantly versatile \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"93\"\u003ewhite wine\u003c\/b\u003e for the dining table. It has the weight to sit perfectly alongside a classic Sunday roast chicken, yet carries enough zing to accompany simple baked fish or a generous midweek cheese board. [#intro]A beautifully refreshing Californian white blend bursting with crisp orchard fruit and a lively finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58041287737725,"sku":"A24RIDGEGRENACHEBLANC","price":47.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/GrenacheBlanc24BT.jpg?v=1776240607"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Collection_Image_44d54e2a-3e86-422f-be2a-415a6b125dc4.jpg?v=1563458452","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/ridge-vineyards-santa-cruz-california.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}