Ridge Vineyards York Creek Zinfandel 2007

Wild blueberry and plum, violets, fennel, and dusty-earth nose. Abundant mountain fruit on the palate. Medium-full chalky tannins, distinctive mineral, and caramel/toasty oak finish.

78% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah. The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885 when Osea Perrone, a doctor, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards, then constructed the Monte Bello winery using native limestone. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge's production facility. During Prohibition, both it and the nearby Torre winery were closed. Monte Bello was reopened after an appeal, but had a limited production that continued until 1943 when the winery closed and the last vineyards were abandoned. The Torre property was then purchased in the 1940s by William Short, a theologian. By 1959, Short, weary of the work, sold the land to four scientists from Stanford Research Institute. The quality of their first harvest convinced the partners to undertake the venture that would become Ridge Vineyards. Today, the estate is comprised of four ranches and eleven great vineyards, where the finest Ridge wines are made. This York Creek, though rich and structured, is one of the most supple and elegant wines Ridge has made from the vineyard. Enjoyable now, it will continue to develop over the next six to eight years.