1981 Esola Zinfandel

We selected the older, most intense hillside grapes from the Esola vineyard on School House Road to make this small quantity of fine Zinfandel. The firm structure is tempered by a malolactic fermentation and seventeen months in small oak cooperage, yet the rich varietal fruit shows through. It has good potential for aging and will need three or four years to develop fully. PD (11/83)

Begun in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s chateau-size California wineries, that is, those that attempt only the highest quality at the quality levels of the classified chateaux (up to 40,000 cases). All the wines are aged in small oak cooperage with the majority receiving no cellar treatment other than racking. Located above 2300 feet on the Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery and main vineyards overlook San Francisco Bay.

Average Rating: 90

No. of Tasting Notes: 1

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