Excellent New Reviews from Wilfred Wong
Blog Post
March 2025
World-renowned wine critic, Wilfred Wong, whose decades of experience and passion for fine wine have earned him a dedicated following among both casual enthusiasts and seasoned collectors, recently had the opportunity to taste and review 10 of our new releases. Known for his discerning palate and deep knowledge of California wine, Wong’s reviews offer a rare and insightful perspective on the latest vintages, including some excellent wine pairing suggestions!
“The 1972 RIDGE Lytton Springs Zinfandel was my introduction to the outstanding portfolio of Ridge Vineyards. Tasted in the mid-1970s, I can still recall that memorable moment.”
2022 Monte Bello – 98 Points
“I have savored the RIDGE Monte Bello Red Wines from the winery’s first vintage in 1962, and my love affair with them continues to this day. The 2022 vintage presents itself as expected, with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, toasty oak, and hints of earthly delights. Invite your closest wine pals and serve this treat with a duck breast topped with a cherry sauce.”
2023 Geyserville – 96 Points
“I first fell in love with the 1972 RIDGE Geyserville when I tasted it in the mid-1970s. The 2023 is better than it has ever been. This wine reveals aromas and flavors of dried rocks, earth, oak, and blackberries. Enjoy it with Moroccan spiced lamb. The dish’s cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and paprika will provide the perfect pairing.”
2023 Lytton Springs – 95 Points
“The 2023 vintage showcases aromas and flavors of brambleberries, oaky notes, and sandalwood to the fore. Pair it with lamb tacos with a sweet mole sauce.”
2023 Estate Chardonnay – 93 Points
“Monte Bello Estate Vineyard glides smoothly and beautifully across the palate. This wine offers aromas and flavors of dried leaves, earth, peach skin, and oak. Serve it with Stuffed Sole, featuring crab and shrimp, and topped with delicately seasoned breadcrumbs.”
“Okay wine peeps, some of you may have looked past the Three Valleys red wine with your sights on Lytton Springs and Geyserville; that would be a mistake.”
2023 Three Valleys – 93 Points
“The 2023 vintage is a standout in its own right. This wine delivers aromas and flavors of vivid ripe berries, dried earth, and rocks-in-the-desert. Serve it with braised short ribs.”
2023 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel – 93 Points
“The famed Pagani Ranch is one of Sonoma Valley’s greatest treasures. Made by several wineries, including Bedrock Wine Co., Carlisle, and Ridge Vineyards, among others. The 2023 RIDGE Pagani Ranch Zinfandel shows gangbuster power on the palate. Yet, it stays elegant in the finish. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of generous aromas of boysenberries, bright raspberries, and hints of chalk. Enjoy it with slow-cooked, smoky-rubbed brisket.”
2023 Paso Robles Zinfandel – 93 Points
“The historic Dusi Ranch, established in 1923, has been an excellent source of Paso Robles Zinfandels. The 2023 RIDGE Benito Dusi Ranch is robust and fulfilling. This wine excels with aromas and flavors of explosive ripe berries, apricot pits, and sandalwood. Try it with spicy Italian sausages, and be sure to include plenty of fennel.”
2022 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah – 93 Points
“Ridge Vineyards, one of the top producers of Petite Sirah, remains a leader. The 2022 Lytton Estate brings excellent richness and expression of this overlooked grape variety. This wine offers aromas and flavors of intense grapeiness, ripe black fruits, and oak. Pair it with an old-fashioned lamb or mutton Irish Stew.”
2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 92 Points
“I have sometimes regarded the estate Cabernet Sauvignon as the stepchild of Monte Bello. Was I wrong? Hell yes! This wine was always a gamer. The 2022 vintage is steady and lasting on the palate. This wine illustrates its focus on this noble grape variety. It delivers aromas and flavors of early summer blackberries, hints of minerality, and toasty oak notes. Enjoy it with beef burgers topped with cheddar and a side of grilled Portobello mushrooms.”
2023 East Bench – 92 Points
“One of my newest Ridge Vineyards discoveries, the 2023 East Bench Funsten Ranch is impressive and striking. This wine showcases aromas and flavors of earth, chalk, and medium tart berries. Try it with eggplant parmesan —a great vegan option to pair with this lively Zin.”
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