Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel 2018 (75cl, 14.5%)

A Sonoma County field blend of Zinfandel and supporting red varieties from Ridge Vineyards, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Ridge was re-established in 1962 by Stanford Research Institute engineers atop Monte Bello Ridge. Three Valleys draws fruit from ten separate Sonoma County vineyards for this vintage. The blend is 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 12% Carignane and 4% Mataro, hand-harvested and naturally fermented with indigenous yeast and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria. Ridge lists every ingredient used in production on its labels. The nose shows black cherry and ripe plum, crushed pepper, woodsy herbs, violet and sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, with vibrant raspberry and black cherry, a briary edge, baking spices, licorice and tarragon, well-calibrated acidity and a meaty, savoury core. The finish is moderate to long, smooth and lightly tannic, with white pepper and mulled fruit.