John Tilson of the Underground Wineletter talks about Paul, Ridge history and the transition to the new generation. Here are a few excerpts from the article:
“Paul Draper, the winemaker and CEO of Ridge Vineyards for nearly 50 years, recently announced his retirement. In my mind, Paul was the California wine industry’s guiding force in continuing traditional wine making practices and making consistently great wines during his entire career at Ridge Vineyards.
Ridge Vineyards wines have been amazingly consistent over all these years. And the Monte Bello is the flagship wine at the forefront of a consistently great lineup from Ridge Vineyards which includes Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah as well as old vine blends, Bordeaux varietals, and Chardonnay. Without question Paul Draper’s career achievements have been absolutely amazing, and these not only include the wines, but the development of all aspects of Ridge Vineyards.
I am sure that there will be many more great Ridge Vineyards wines to come, but people with the talent of Paul Draper are rare indeed. And there is no question in my mind that Paul’s legacy will live forever in the annals of Ridge Vineyards and throughout the world of wine. Moreover, the great Ridge Vineyards wines will always stand on their own with the greatest wines in the world. To Paul, a Monte Bello toast for being Paul and for all the great work and all the great wines.”
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