1988 York Creek Zinfandel

Uneven spring weather reduced yields by seventy percent on the upper vineyard at York Creek. This block, planted to the old Picchetti clone from Monte Bello Ridge, normally makes up two thirds of the quantity. This year the lower vineyard, on the Geyserville clone, provided the lion’s share. The wine is rich and full and the structure firm. The chalky tannins, apparent in the finish, are softening to make this spicy, complex Zinfandel approachable in its youth. PD (3/90)

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.