1981 Geyserville

We have made this fine Zinfandel since 1966. In 1981 the yield was low and we included a small section of another, very old, neighboring vineyard. The grapes were fully ripe and, as usual with these vines, we picked the second crop with the first to provide a good balance of acidity. This rich, elegant wine should begin to soften by fall and be in its prime for six or seven years.

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: 85.3

No. of Tasting Notes: 5

View this wine on CellarTracker

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