2002 Jimsomare Zinfandel

Late spring rains kept this old, unirrigated five-acre vineyard from water stress during a typical California summer, and the full set was augmented by vigorous young vines interplanted where old ones had been lost. Despite the unusually good yield,the fruit ripened to perfection by mid-October. A short natural-yeast fermentation was sufficient to extract deep color and rich tannins; the firm acid typical of this cool region was moderated by a natural malolactic. The wine aged in air-dried american oak barrels, of which fifteen percent were new, and eighty-five percent five years old. Incredibly rich fruit is beautifully balanced by the still-firm acidity. This is among the finest Jimsomare zinfandels of recent years.

The Advance Tasting Program is a logical extension of Ridge’s long-standing dedication to single-vineyard winemaking. Our interest in distinctive sites, regardless of size, has led us to produce some wines in quantities ranging from five to fifty-five barrels. These are shipped to ATP members directly from the winery.

Rainfall: Forty-three inches
Bloom: mid-June
Weather: Cool spring temperatures (frost in April, cold rain in May). Redeeming late-season warmth.

Harvest Date: 18 October

Grapes: Average brix 26.1°
Fermentation: No inoculation; natural primary and secondary. Pressed at seven days.
Barrels: 100% air-dried american oak barrels (15% new, 85% five years old)
Aging: Sixteen months in barrel

Average Rating: 89.8

No. of Tasting Notes: 12

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