1976 Jimsomare Zinfandel

Since 1971 we have combined the Jimsomare and Picchetti vineyards to make our Monte Bello Zinfandel. In 1976 the two wines were different enough to be kept separate. The high acidity and the clearly defined varietal and regional character, enhanced by the oak, produced a classic, complex wine quite different from the late harvest style of the 1970. It should be given at least four or five years of bottle age.

Ridge wine is made with an emphasis on quality and naturalness that is rarely attempted. Our grapes are grown in select vineyards (usually identified on the label), where they are left to ripen to peak maturity, often at some loss of quantity. We let the wine settle and age in small barrels, with only rare cellar treatment other than racking. Varieties are not blended unless indicated on the label. Near Black Mountain on Monte Bello Ridge, our main vineyard is 10 miles south of Palo Alto, 15 miles inland from the ocean, and over 2000 feet in elevation.

Average Rating: 90

No. of Tasting Notes: 3

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