1988 Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Zinfandel on Howell Mountain set a better crop in 1988 than was typical on the North Coast. The cool climate moderated late August’s extreme heat, and the grapes ripened normally. We increased the percentage of uncrushed and unstemmed clusters in the fermentation, and the resulting wine shows considerable spicy fruit, with rounder tannins than usual. Accessible now, this complex zinfandel will continue to develop over the next five to seven years.

Founded in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s small, fine California wineries- limiting production to achieve the highest quality. From the beginning, close adherence to traditional winemaking techniques has set Ridge apart. This approach determines our style and includes use of natural yeast, racking to achieve clarity, and filtering only when necessary for stability. Our winery and estate vineyards are located above 2300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Average Rating: 85

No. of Tasting Notes: 1

View this wine on CellarTracker