2022 Three Valleys

Deep nose of blackberry, anise and espresso. Ample structure and mouthfeel with raspberry bramble, dark chocolate and baking spice. SR (12/23)

Since its inception, Ridge has specialized in single vineyard wines. Three Valleys is the exception, made by carefully blending selections from multiple vineyards. Mild temperatures throughout the growing season allowed the fruit to mature slowly and develop deep fruit flavors for which Sonoma is known. Enjoyable now, this wine will continue to develop over the next five years. SR (5/23)

The history of the Ridge Three Valleys began with the release of the 2001. The wine contains grapes from a number of Sonoma vineyards—this year, ten. We take great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested, then crushed and fermented on its native yeast and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs wineries. Unlike our single-vineyard wines, which reflect the distinctive character of each site, Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards—winemaking at its finest. Zinfandel determines the wine’s varietal character, old-vine carignane contributes bright fruit and acidity, and petite sirah contributes spice, depth of color, and firm tannins.

Rainfall: 12.3 inches (below normal)
Bloom: Early May
Weather: 2022 was the third year of drought. Thankfully, we received spring rains that helped the vines. These same rains caused shatter in our zinfandel, reducing their crop. Two heat spells pushed the vines to another early harvest.

Harvest Dates: 18 August – 21 September
Grapes: Average Brix 25.3˚
TA: 6.51 g/L
pH: 3.69
Fermentation: No inoculation; natural primary and secondary.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (10% new, 50% four years old, and 40% five plus years old).
Aging: Twelve months in barrel

Hand-harvested grapes, destemmed and crushed; fermented on the native yeasts followed by a full malolactic on the natural-occurring bacteria; tartaric acid; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35ppm at crush, 88 ppm over the course of aging); membrane sterile filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Decanter: 94 Points “It is a departure for Ridge, as it’s not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine’s generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined.” -Clive Pursehouse (September 2024)

Zinfandel Chronicles: 93 Points “Dark crimson in color. 14.2% ABV. 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 14% Petite Sirah and 5% Mataro. Awesome nose of red fruits, anise and pepper. Medium to full body body with ample acidity. Warm and supple. Cherry, strawberry, baking spices and pepper. The finish is long and spicy. Widely available and as always a great value. Best over the next 3-4 years.” -Tom Lee (March 2024)

Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points “The bright and spicy nose of this Zinfandel blend gives aromas of dried cranberry, raspberry compote and spiced fig. The palate is polished and balanced, with plenty of blackberry, plum, fresh herb and black licorice flavors mingling and lingering through the finish.” -Tom Capo (November 2024 Issue)

Vinous Media: 91 Points “A blend of 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane and 14% Petite Sirah, the 2022 Three Valleys is super-welcoming and disarming from the get-go. A superb introduction to the Ridge house style, it balances the savory and the fruity—tobacco, cedar, dark berry fruit and loads of spice, all hemmed in by fresh acidity and insistent but yielding tannins. It’s hard to go wrong here.” -Billy Norris (October 2024)

Average Rating: 88.8

No. of Tasting Notes: 10

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