2005 Three Valleys

Rhone nuisances of tomato, pepper, and spice. This is a beautifully- structured zinfandel blend.

Three Valleys is the Ridge proprietary name for our only bottling whose character is determined by blending wines from multiple vineyard sites. We choose softer, less defined lots from our single-vineyard wines – this year almost two-thirds from Lytton Springs and two adjoining Dry Creek Valley vineyards, a third from Nervo, Mazzoni, Buchignani, Carmichael, and Stone Ranch in Alexander Valley, and a very small amount from Pagani in Sonoma Valley. These were combined during a series of blind tastings, creating an appealing wine that is clearly greater than the sum of its parts. After a cool spring and above-average rainfall, a warm summer and mild fall ripened a very full crop. Enjoyable now, this spicy, beautifully structured zinfandel blend will develop fully over the next four to five years. JO/EB/PD (11/06)

The history of the Ridge Sonoma County Three Valleys began with the release of the 2001. The wine contains grapes from a number of Sonoma vineyards – this year, nine. We take great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested, then crushed and fermented at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs. Unlike our single vineyard wines, which reflect the distinctive character of each site, Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards – winemaking – at its finest. Zinfandel fruit determines the wine’s varietal character; old-vine carignane contributes its own bright fruit and acidity; petite sirah and syrah add peppery spice, depth of color, and firm tannins; grenache brings briar fruit and lively tannins.

Rainfall: Above normal at more than 60 inches
Bloom: Late May
Weather: Wet winter and spring with a long growing season

Harvest Dates: 28 August – 1 November
Grapes: Average brix 24.3
Fermentation: No inoculation; natural primary and secondary. Grapes fully crushed and fermented in small stainless steel tanks; fermenting juice circulated over the cap twice daily for extraction of color, tannin, and flavor. Full, natural malolactic to soften acidity. Pressed at eight days on average.
Barrels: 100% air-dried american oak barrels (35% new and one year old, 27% two to three years old, 38% four to seven years old).
Aging: Eleven months in barrel

Los Angeles Times (27 June 2007): “The only wine in the portfolio sourced from multiple vineyards, it is typically composed of declassified, younger vine fruit from the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. The simplest and most accessible of all Ridge wines, with juicy plum and black cherry flavors and a creamy texture.”

Connoisseurs’ Guide (May 2007): “Its mix of supporting grapes gives this measured, mannerly wine a slightly different cast in which its blackberryish fruit combines with aromas of ripe plums and boysenberries. An added note of creamy oak uplifts without challenging for center stage, and the wine is equally focused and well-proportioned in the mouth. It is long on flavor and will serve happily alongside pork roasts and ribs.” Rated: 89 (*)

Average Rating: 88.4

No. of Tasting Notes: 75

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