2019 San Lorenzo

Rich aromas of black cherry, cocoa, and roasted meat. Bramble fruit and sweet brown spice on the palate. Medium to full body with well-coated tannins. MB (12/21)

This wine comes from the oldest parcel of the San Lorenzo vineyard. Originally planted in 1892, the inter-planted zinfandel, petite sirah and alicante are harvested and fermented together. Deep color, briary fruit and a well-coated tannic structure are hallmarks of this classic field blend; it can be enjoyed over the next eight years. JO (2/21)

Pete Seghesio owns this historic San Lorenzo vineyard. Seghesio inherited the ranch from his mother, Rachel Ann Passalacqua Seghesio. The vineyard has been part of the Passalacqua family heritage since 1896, a few years after it was planted. His great-grandfather was a cook in the California gold fields and paid 10 gold coins for the land.

Rainfall: 46 inches (above average)
Bloom: May
Weather: Total rainfall for the season was almost double our usual amounts. The vines responded with bountiful yields of great quality.

Harvest Date: 24 September
Grapes: Average Brix 25.8˚
TA: 5.09 g/L
pH: 4.00
Fermentation: Grapes de-stemmed and crushed, pumped over a floating cap twice daily. Pressed at eleven days. Full malolactic on the naturally-occurring bacteria.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (10% one year-old, 20% two years-old, 35% three years-old, and 35% four years-old).
Aging: Fourteen months in barrel

Hand-harvested grapes fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring malolactic bacteria; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 ppm at crush, 91 ppm over the course of aging); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

OwenBargreen.com: 94 Points “The outstanding 2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘San Lorenzo’ Zinfandel is crafted from extremely old vines which were first planted in 1892. The wine is a unique blend of 65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Syrah and the remainder Alicante Bouchet. The wine comes off very silky and elegant, with refined tannins that frame a rich core of boysenberry preserves, black currants, black licorice and pipe tobacco. Exceedingly good even to consume now at the three year mark, this surely has another fifteen years in front of it. If enjoying now be sure to give this an hour in the decanter. Drink 2022-2037.” -Owen Bargreen (March 2022)

Wine Spectator: 93 Points “Refined and structured yet rich, with raspberry, licorice and black pepper flavors that expand and flesh out on the zesty, briary finish. Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2030.” -T.F. (May 2022)

Wine& Spirits: 93 Points “The Seghesio family purchased this vineyard in 1896, now 40 acres bridging the Alexander and Russian River valleys. The original block, probably planted in 1892, is a mix of zinfandel (65 percent), petite sirah (26) and alicante bouschet (9), providing the fruit for Ridge’s bottling. It’s a big, black wine when first poured, with heady fruit, some orange zest volatility and a heavy drape of tannins. Come back to it a day later and the wine’s fullness has transformed into red fruit, smooth and savory, integrating its structure and alcohol into the gentle grace of zin.” -J.G. (June 2022)

Vinous: 92 Points “The 2019 San Lorenzo is such a classy wine. Effusive, floral aromatics are immediately seductive. Bright and vibrant, with terrific energy and tons of nuance, the San Lorenzo is positively stellar. Dark red berry fruit, orange peel, mint, spice, lavender and mint are all laced together. The 2019 is delineated and polished from start to finish. Pretty floral accents liven up the finish.” -Antonio Galloni (May 2022)

Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points “Blended from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet grapes, this smooth, ripe, chocolaty wine offers plenty of welcoming blueberry and blackberry flavors carried by moderate tannins and a full body.” -Jim Gordon

Average Rating: 89.4

No. of Tasting Notes: 12

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See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.