Three Valleys: A Winemaker’s Perspective
Blog Post
February 2023
The History of Three Valleys
For over 20 years, Ridge has produced Three Valleys. Prior to the 2001 vintage, the wine was produced and bottled as Ridge Sonoma Zinfandel, Coast Range, and Sonoma Station. Three Valleys is a zinfandel based blend that contains fruit from a number of Sonoma County vineyards and is also the only “multi-vineyard” wine that Ridge produces. Considering its long history, we decided to ask the winemakers their perspective on Three Valleys.
What makes Three Valleys special?
“As a multi-vineyard wine, the winemaker is free to blend different vineyards in varying quantities to make the best wine. This powerful tool is unavailable in single vineyard winemaking in which the winemaker relies much more heavily on the inherent nature of the vineyard, the quality of the farming, and the timing of picking.”
-John Olney, Head Winemaker
“Three Valleys showcases the beautiful bounty of Sonoma County fruit, which can be quite varied. We see bright acidity and verve from sites located in Sonoma Valley and Russian River Valley. We see structure, dark fruit and minerality from vineyards in the Rockpile appellation. Generous, sumptuous, red, black and blue fruit notes from the vineyards in Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley.
“When combined into one wine, the aromatics and fruit profiles become complex, layered and quite interesting.”
-Shauna Rosenblum, Winemaker, Lytton Springs
2021 Three Valleys
92 Points + Value Pick of the Week from Wine Spectator
Our 21st vintage producing Three Valleys has produced a perfect example of how the variety of fruit from Sonoma County and skilled blending can create a truly great and balanced wine. The 2021 Three Valleys was recently acknowledged by Wine Spectator:
“A broad-shouldered red, with a potent structure but expressive blackberry, savory dill and white pepper flavors that speed toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet.” –Tim Fish, 92 points
Wait!
In order to qualify for user related discounts, you must log in before proceeding with checkout. Click the button below to log in and receive these benefits, or close the window to continue.
Log In