1998 Dry Creek Sangiovese

This is our third vintage of sangiovese, a grape that has grown in Tuscany for more than three hundred years. Ridge does not focus on Italian varietals; it is unlikely we would even have tried sangiovese had we not acquired a small parcel when we bought Lytton Springs West. In 1998, we kept the wine 100% varietal, rather than adding cabernet or merlot as in ’96 and ’97. Despite a late start, the grapes matured by the end of September; both clusters and berries were smaller than usual. The fruit was very clean and deeply colored, with ripe, jammy flavors. This medium-bodied wine fermented on its own yeast, and aged in lightly-tempered air-dried american oak. Characteristic firm acid and bright fruit recall its Italian heritage. Drinkable now, it should be most enjoyable over the next five or six years.

Since 1962, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, searching California for those rare sites where climate, soil, and varietal are ideally matched. Our aim is to guide the natural process; using traditional methods, we strive for exceptional wines from distinctive fruit.

Average Rating: 89

No. of Tasting Notes: 2

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