1979 York Creek Petite Sirah

These old vines on Devils hill at York Creek produced a predictably low yield in this vintage. The wine is very dry with the tannin of the variety and yet shows the peppery fruit and complexity of the vineyard. It has a quality more typical of the Rhone and Burgundy than of California. Although it should begin to soften this fall, it will need several years to reach its prime.

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: 93

No. of Tasting Notes: 6

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