1985 Jimsomare Zinfandel

For twenty years we have harvested these few acres of 19th century vines to make our Jimsomare Zinfandels. In the earliest days we designated them as our 1500-foot vineyard, and in many years combined them with the Picchetti vineyard to make our Monte Bello. We are in a very cool climate that only in warmer years is ideally suited to Zinfandel. 1985 was just warm enough to give us full ripeness in part of the crop, balancing the fruit and firm acidity of the rest. This unusual Zinfandel traditionally benefits from two or three years of bottle age.

Founded in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s small, fine California wineries—limiting production to achieve 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 natural yeast submerged-cap fermentations, aging in small oak cooperage, and careful racking at each transfer to achieve clarity. Located above 2300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery overlooks San Francisco Bay