2009 Ridge Geyserville
Alexander Valley, Sonoma
The 2009 Ridge Geyserville is at the point in its evolution that I love to drink Zinfandel. The tannins have softened, secondary characteristics have begun to emerge, but there is still plenty of fruit remaining. Intoxicating notes of violets, cool menthol, and licorice, along with plums, boysenberry, blueberries, and cedar waft from the glass. The wine’s soft, velvety texture is supported by the underlying acidity that Geyserville is famous for. This is much more evolved than I would have expected for a Geyserville at only 11 years of age. Most Geyservilles at 20+ years taste younger so I would consider drinking these up over the next few years.
Ridge is one of my favorite California wineries. It is the first mailing list I joined to buy a case of the 2017 Monte Bello futures. Those were recently delivered, and I just put in my order for the 2019s. No one besides Bedrock does so many labels with such high quality. If you like buying wines with a little age, keep an eye out on their email list as they typically have 3-4 library wines on release at any given time.
During COVID-19, Ridge has been doing Virtual Winemaker Roundtables, which inspired this pull. In these roundtables, Eric Baugh, the Monte Bello winemaker, leads the group through 4 different wines and the history of Ridge. Paul Draper, the legend himself, was a guest on this week’s call. I hope that some form of these virtual meetings continue when the epidemic is over.
74% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro.
94 points.
