1985 Rancho Pequeno Barbera

In 1852 General Vallejo’s wife built an adobe homestead on a 48-acre land grant named Rancho Pequeno. The old adobe stands now on the edge of downtown Sonoma, flanked by a small, 30-year-old Barbera vineyard. We harvested the grapes specifically to make a limited release for our Advance Tasting Program. The good color and tart fruit flavors are are typical of the variety. With its soft tannins, this excellent wine will be at its best over the next two or three years. PD (1/87)

Begun in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s chateau-size California wineries-those that limit production to attempt the highest quality. From the beginning, close adherence to traditional winemaking techniques has set Ridge apart. This approach determines our style and includes the use of the natural yeasts in extended, submerged-cap fermentations, aging in small oak cooperage, and careful racking at every transfer to achieve clarity. Located above 2300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery and main vineyards overlook San Francisco Bay.