2002 Teldeschi Ranch Zinfandel

Ray Teldeschi is one of Dry Creek Valley’s most respected growers. His vineyard—planted by his grandfather at the turn of the last century—lies on the gravelly soils of its eastern bench. Fruit from the surviving ninety-to-one-hundred-year-old, headpruned vines makes up this Advance Tasting Program release. Warm weather in August pushed sugar levels upward, but we waited until late September to harvest at full flavor. The grapes fermented on their natural yeasts for twelve days, and were pumped over twice daily. After a natural malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked to air-dried american oak barrels, twenty-five percent of which were new, the rest two to six years old. After fifteen months of aging, the oak has integrated beautifully with the wine’s firm structure. This full-bodied zinfandel reflects its Dry Creek origins. It will be at its best over the next five years.

The Advance Tasting Program is a logical extension of Ridge’s long-standing dedication to single-vineyard winemaking. Our interest in distinctive sites, regardless of size, has led us to produce some wines in quantities ranging from five to fifty-five barrels. These are shipped to ATP members directly from the winery.

Average Rating: 89

No. of Tasting Notes: 16

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