1985 Wine Creek Road Merlot

When Bill Hambrecht and Fred Peterson purchased this hillside vineyard overlooking Dry Creek Valley, they planted it to Merlot, Cabernet franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. We fermented all three varieties separately and, after tasting various combinations, decided that this amount of franc gave definition and structure to the richness of the Merlot. A lovely wine, it will be enjoyable soon after release and develop further with five to eight years in bottle. PD (4/87)

Begun in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s chateau-size California wineries-those that limit production to attempt the highest quality. From the beginning, close adherence to traditional winemaking techniques has set Ridge apart. This approach determines our style and includes the use of the natural yeasts in extended, submerged-cap fermentations, aging in small oak cooperage, and careful racking at every transfer to achieve clarity. Located above 2300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery and main vineyards overlook San Francisco Bay.

Average Rating: 85

No. of Tasting Notes: 1

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