2019 Grenache Blanc

Translucent gold color. Aromas of yellow pear, green plum, orange blossoms, and sweet oak. Enters with juicy, tart citrus fruits, lively acidity, with medium-body fullness; Lengthy lime-zest aftertaste. EB (7/20)

Heavy winter rains continued into spring, hitting the vines during bloom. Persistent summer fog slowed ripening for a mid-September harvest. Whole-cluster pressed, each varietal was fermented separately in barrels and small concrete tanks. Stirring the barrels throughout malolactic enhanced aroma and texture. An early assemblage and bottling captured the wine’s freshness and beautiful fruit. It can be enjoyed now and over the next five years.

This is our second Adelaida Vineyard bottling. Paso Robles is the epicenter of new Rhone plantings in California. We are fortunate to be able to source grapes from Adelaida Vineyards, who planted grenache blanc, roussanne, viognier and picpoul blanc among other more established varieties such as grenache noir, syrah and mourvedre (or mataro). Their vineyard lies on the limestone hills of the Adelaida District, thirteen miles from the Pacific coast. Warm days, cool nights and balanced vines promote great acidity in the grapes.

Rainfall: 35 inches (above average)
Bloom: Late May
Weather: Spring was cool and wet, summer had warm to hot days with cool nights.

Harvest Dates: 13 – 20 September
Grapes: Average Brix 23.9˚
TA: 6.9 g/L
pH: 3.27
Fermentation: Whole-cluster pressed. Natural primary finished February 2020, and secondary finished by April 2020.
Barrels: 88% barrel aged in air-dried American oak barrels; 8% new, 9% three-year-old; 61% four-year-old, 10% five-year-old, 12% six-year-old. 12% concrete tank aged.
Aging: Eight months in barrel

Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested grapes; whole-cluster pressed; fermented on the native yeasts; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective SO2, 35ppm at crush and 40ppm during aging. Pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

The Wine Advocate: 92 Points “The 2019 Grenache Blanc Adelaida Vineyard combines 77% Grenache Blanc with 18% Picpoul and 5% Roussanne. It gives fresh orchard fruits with touches of beeswax, dried flowers and spices on the nose, and the light-bodied palate offers intense, earth-laced flavors with a touch of anchoring texture and a long, uplifted finish. This has enough character to drink on its own straight from bottle but will pair well with a wide variety of foods.” -Erin Brooks (February 2021)

Vinous Media: 92 Points “Ridge’s 2019 Grenache Blanc, emerges from Adelaida Vineyard in Paso Robles. Apricot, white flowers, tangerine and mint are some of the notes that grace this exquisite, vibrant Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne, with a bit more Picpoul than last year. This is such a delicious wine.” -Antonio Galloni (September 2020)

Zinfandel Chronicles: 92 Points “Pretty nose of lemon oil, grapefruit and flowers. Medium body with bright acidity. Tremendous mouth feel. Lemon, pears and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and refreshing. Fantastic wine on a warm Summer night. Best over the next several years.” -Tom Lee (August 2020)

JebDunnuck.com: 90 Points “Coming all from the Adelaida Vineyard in Paso Robles and a blend of 77% Grenache Blanc, 18% Picpoul, and the balance Roussanne, the 2019 Grenache Blanc has a pretty bouquet of white flowers, dried herbs, stone fruits, and honeysuckle. Nicely balanced, medium-bodied, and elegant, it has good acidity, plenty of classic Grenache Blanc richness and depth, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years.” -Jeb Dunnuck (August 2020)

Underground Wine Letter: Outstanding “Blended with 18% Picpoul Blanc and 5% Rousanne the wine has a pale yellow color and a lovely floral perfume with a faint exotic tinge. On the palate it is elegant and beautifully balanced with floral citrus tinged fruit and a faint exotic nuance. Delicious to drink now this is a very versatile and appealing white wine that will complement a wide variety of lighter summer foods.” (August 2020)

Average Rating: 90.6

No. of Tasting Notes: 21

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