1981 Roffinella Claret

For generations the combination of varieties that make up this distinctive wine has been typical of the Hecker Pass area. When Carignane vines planted in the hills reach a venerable old age they yield a degree of quality not usually associated with the variety. Fermented with the fruit from equally old Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, the result can be as rich and complex as this limited bottling. It should develop beautifully with five or six years of bottle age. PD (2/83)

Begun in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s chateau-size California wineries, that is, those that attempt only the highest quality at the quality levels of the classified chateaux (up to 40,000 cases). All the wines are aged in small oak cooperage with the majority receiving no cellar treatment other than racking. Located above 2300 feet on the Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery and main vineyards overlook San Francisco Bay.