Excellent New Scores from Wilfred Wong

Wilfred Wong

March 2026

We are pleased to share some excellent new reviews on our current releases from Wilfred Wong. His notes highlight the depth, balance, and distinctive character of these wines, along with creative food pairing suggestions that showcase their versatility at the table. They also include 98-point scores for both our 2023 Monte Bello and 2024 Geyserville Vineyard.

“My history with Ridge Geyserville goes back to tasting the 1972 vintage in mid-1970s San Francisco—an absolute “wow” moment that stayed with me. Not long after, we offered the 1973s, including Geyserville, at Ashbury Market during the early stages of our family’s store’s transformation. A wine—and a story—that has come full circle.” — Wilfred Wong

2023 Monte Bello – 98 Points

“Deep ruby with concentrated purple hues; captivating pine forest aromas layered with abundant blackberry and cassis; medium-bodied yet remarkably structured, showing both restraint and underlying power; dry, with fine acidity and impeccable balance; vibrant cassis and blackberry flavors unfold with precision, supported by firm, integrated oak nuances that add depth and complexity; beautifully composed with a firm, seamless, and exceptionally long, lingering finish.”

2024 Geyserville Vineyard – 98 Points

“Deep a ruby-purple color. Dried spice aromas introduce a full-bodied, lush wine with bold blackberry fruit, fine acidity, and beautifully integrated oak. Dry, well balanced, and polished, it finishes firm and satisfying. My history with Ridge Geyserville goes back to tasting the 1972 vintage in mid-1970s San Francisco—an absolute “wow” moment that stayed with me. Not long after, we offered the 1973s, including Geyserville, at Ashbury Market during the early stages of our family’s store’s transformation. A wine—and a story—that has come full circle, and one that pairs brilliantly with Northern Chinese Szechuan classics like má pó tofu, twice-cooked pork, or cumin lamb, where the wine’s ripe fruit and plush texture tame the heat while its spice and structure echo the dish’s bold, savory intensity.”

2024 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel – 95 Points

“Shows a deep ruby, purple hue with attractive, voluptuous berry aromas that leap from the glass; full-bodied, juicy, and round with impressive length on the palate, its bold berry flavors are generous yet beautifully defined; dense but never overblown, it finishes long and expressive, capturing the richness and old-vine soul of this historic vineyard with both power and restraint. I have always kept a keen eye on the Pagani Ranch wines, and the 2024 Ridge has rewarded me in spades. Paired with Korean galbi—soy, garlic, sesame, and pear-marinated short ribs kissed by the grill—the wine’s lush fruit and structure find perfect harmony in the sweet-savory char, each bite and sip building toward a deeply satisfying finish.”

*this wine will be released in the fall of 2026

2024 Lytton Springs – 94 Points

“Shows a deep ruby color with purple hues; aromatic earth and dried spice notes rise from the glass; full-bodied and lush on the palate; dry, with lively acidity and well-balanced structure; bold blackberry flavors are enhanced by integrated oak nuances; finishing firm, layered, and soulful with excellent persistence. Paired with Korean-style dwaeji bulgogi, the sweet heat of gochujang, caramelized edges of grilled pork, and layers of garlic, sesame, and soy mirror the wine’s bold fruit and earthy spice, while its lively acidity cuts through the richness and its structure holds firm, creating a beautifully balanced interplay of power and finesse—each bite and sip building on the last, deeply satisfying and true to the spirit of both traditions.”

*this wine will be released in the fall of 2026

2025 Heringer Chenin Blanc – 93 Points

“Light straw in color; slightly rustic with dried spice and delicate aromatic floral notes in the nose; medium-bodied, dry, with lively acidity and excellent balance; flavors of dried earth, mineral, and tart citrus drive the palate; finishes racy, crisp, and focused. From the breezy Sacramento Delta, this wine finds a natural partner in a classic Dungeness crab salad—lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil—where the Chenin’s bright acidity and mineral tension elevate the crab’s sweetness, creating a pairing that feels both effortless and distinctly Californian.”

2023 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah – 93 Points

“Shows a deep ruby to near-black color; attractive dried spice aromas; medium-bodied with a smooth, seamless glide across the palate; dry, with balanced acidity and well-balanced structure; sweet, supple tannins frame bright, grapey flavors; finishing lush and satisfying. Paired with carne asada tacos, the citrus-marinated grilled beef, charred peppers, and warm tortillas echo the wine’s dried spice aromatics and bright fruit, while its smooth texture and supple tannins complement the juicy richness of the meat, and its balanced acidity keeps the pairing lively—resulting in a vibrant, satisfying combination that highlights both flavor and finesse.”

2024 Paso Robles Zinfandel – 93 Points

“Shows a deep ruby color; toasty aromas with brambleberry notes; full-bodied, layered, and long on the palate; dry, with balanced acidity and well-balanced structure; expressive berry flavors unfold with warmth and depth; finishing long and satisfying. Paired with Santa Maria–style tri-tip, the garlic and pepper-crusted beef, kissed by smoke and flame, echoes the wine’s toasty aromatics and brambly berry depth; the juicy, layered texture of the meat complements the wine’s full-bodied structure, while its balanced acidity keeps everything in check—resulting in a pairing that is warm, satisfying, and distinctly Californian in spirit.”

2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 92 Points

“Medium-deep ruby with a magenta edge; aromas evoke a morning forest, layered with pomegranate and subtle, complementary oak nuances; medium-bodied and silky smooth on the palate; dry, with balanced acidity and very good harmony; lovely red and dark berry flavors with a touch of oak; finishes firm, layered, and quietly persistent. From the cool, forested slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Cabernet reflects both restraint and refinement, pairing beautifully with grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, where the wine’s forest-floor character and fine structure echo the dish’s savory depth.”

2024 Estate Chardonnay – 92 Points

“Medium straw in color; aromas of dried spices and rustic earth rise from the glass; full-bodied, layered, and elevated on the palate; dry, with balanced acidity and solid balance; chalky, earthy flavors give depth and structure; finishes firm, composed, and persistent. From the rugged slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Chardonnay speaks with quiet authority and pairs beautifully with roast chicken and wild mushrooms, where the wine’s earthy nuances and structural backbone echo the dish’s savory richness.

2024 East Bench Zinfandel – 92 Points

“Shows a deep ruby, purple hue with aromas of dried spices and a hint of oak; medium- to full-bodied, dense and packed on the palate; dry, with balanced acidity and very good overall balance; ripe berry flavors show depth and concentration; finishing with an active, energetic edge. Paired with a simply grilled New York strip, the wine’s firm structure and spice notes align beautifully with the steak’s salt-and-pepper crust and charred exterior, while the juicy, medium-rare texture softens the wine’s density, creating a clean, focused, and deeply satisfying combination.”

2024 Three Valleys – 91 Points

“Deep ruby in color; lively berry aromas with hints of spice; medium-bodied, firm and well-built on the palate; dry, with balanced acidity and very good overall balance; ripe berry flavors show clarity and focus; a firm, composed finish. 91 Points Paired with classic Chinese takeout—think sweet and sour pork, beef with broccoli, or soy-braised dishes—the wine’s lively fruit and balanced structure complement the savory, slightly sweet flavors beautifully, making for an easy, satisfying, and delicious everyday pairing.