1983 Beatty Zinfandel

In 1982, we included grapes from Mike Beatty’s 75-year-old vines in our Howell Mountain Zinfandel. With the 1983 vintage, we decided to bottle thirty barrels separately for the Advanced Tasting Program in order to show the distinct character of this vineyard. Complex and elegant, it will be enjoyable while relatively young, yet will improve with five or six years in bottle. PD (2/85)

Begun in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s chateau-size California wineries-those that limit production to attempt the highest quality. From the beginning, close adherence to traditional winemaking techniques has set Ridge apart. This approach determines our style and includes submerged-cap fermentation, use of the natural wine yeasts, aging in small oak cooperage, and careful racking at every transfer to achieve clarity. Located above 2300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our winery and main vineyards overlook San Francisco Bay.