I can hardly contain my excitement as I settle into my seat at Winebar Vindict in Amsterdam. Thanks to an invitation from Jan Jaap Altenburg, the passionate owner of this excellent wine bar, I got to taste the wines of Ridge Vineyards. Why am I so thrilled? American wines are fascinating and less well-known here in the Netherlands. Plus, I’ll admit I’m eager to expand my own wine-tasting experiences!
The tasting will feature Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, but the highlight is the Monte Bello. This iconic wine from Ridge Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in California is a true masterpiece. While the grape combination varies yearly depending on the harvest, it’s always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon as the primary grape. Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc are complementary, creating a classic Bordeaux blend. Ridge Monte Bello has earned the affectionate nickname “America’s First Growth”—equivalent to a Premier Cru.
I’ve done my homework beforehand, and combined with the wealth of information from Jan Jaap’s upcoming masterclass, I’m excited to share my insights with you. After the tasting, I contacted Katie Blakely, CSW, the International Sales Director of Ridge Vineyards, and she provided me with some extra information. Rest assured, I’ll include my personal tasting notes on our sample wines. It’s going to be a delightful journey through some fantastic American wines!
A Legacy Rooted in Passion and Innovation
As Jan Jaap begins his presentation, he transports us to the Santa Cruz Mountains, where Ridge Vineyards’ story began in 1959. A group of Stanford Research Institute engineers stumbled upon an abandoned winery, and what started as a weekend project blossomed into one of California’s most revered wineries. The real magic, however, began in 1969 when Paul Draper joined as a winemaker. His philosophy of minimal intervention and focus on terroir expression has shaped Ridge’s identity for over half a century.
The Art of Blending: A Ridge Signature
One of the fascinating aspects of Ridge’s winemaking philosophy is its focus on blended wines. As Jan Jaap explained, this approach stems from historical planting methods in Northern California. Many of their vineyards, including Geyserville, Lytton Springs, and Pagani, are field-blended, with multiple varietals interplanted in the same parcels. Jan Jaap shared that the winemaker’s team believes this blended approach, combined with their pre-industrial methods, produces a more complex wine. “The sum is greater than its parts,” he noted. This commitment to complexity and expression is evident in every sip of Ridge wine.
Sustainable Practices: Nurturing the Land
Ridge’s dedication to sustainability is impressive. Jan Jaap informed us that their three estates – Monte Bello, Geyserville, and Lytton Springs – are all certified organic. However, Katie explained an interesting quirk in the certification process:
“Our production facilities aren’t certified because we use ‘minimum effective sulfur dioxide,'” Katie noted. “We never exceed industry standards or EU maximums, which is 300 ppm, but we exceed the maximum for organic certification, which is 100 ppm.”
This decision reflects Ridge’s commitment to sustainability and the long-term quality of its wines. Ridge wants to ensure sufficient SO2 to control volatile acidity and allow its wines to age gracefully over decades.
The Oak Regiment: A Taste of America
One of the distinctive features of Ridge wines is their use of American oak. Katie explained their meticulous process:
“We work with multiple cooperages in the US, primarily in the Ozark and Appalachian mountains. All our oak is air-dried on the forest floor for two years before being made into barrels.”
This attention to detail in oak selection contributes to Ridge wines’ unique flavor profile, particularly their iconic Monte Bello.
Tasting the Magic: Ridge Wines Unveiled
Our tasting session at Winebar Vindict is a journey through Ridge’s impressive portfolio. Jan Jaap has brought an array of wines that showcase the diversity and quality of Ridge’s production. Unfortunately, only recent vintages were available. Ridge wines typically require several years of bottle aging to reach their peak. This tasting aimed to demonstrate how these wines are present in their youth. While it felt premature, I’m curious how these wines will evolve over the next 8-15 years. Here are detailed tasting notes:
2020 Ridge Estate Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains | 100% Chardonnay | 13.5%
This golden-hued Chardonnay is a treat for the senses. As you swirl the glass, inviting aromas of crisp green apple and zesty lemon mingle with subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak. A whisper of nutmeg adds an intriguing complexity.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it’s beautifully dry with a generous body. The flavors echo the nose, adding juicy pear and a delicate touch of butter. High acidity keeps things lively while the alcohol sits comfortably in the background. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of citrus and oak.
Overall, this is a very good wine that strikes a beautiful balance between fruit, oak, and acidity. It’s complex enough to keep you interested sip after sip, and shows promise for aging. A delightful expression of California Chardonnay!
2021 Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah | 100% Petite Sirah | 14.1%
This Petite Sirah is a sight to behold, with its deep purple hue and thick, viscous tears clinging to the glass. As you swirl, a bouquet of ripe blackberries and blueberries wafts up, intertwined with intriguing notes of eucalyptus, black pepper, and delicate violet petals.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it’s wonderfully dry and full-bodied, with firm yet ripe tannins that grip your palate. The high acidity keeps things lively, while the alcohol provides a warming sensation. Flavors burst forth – think luscious blackberry jam, juicy black plums, a sprinkle of white pepper, and a whisper of dried herbs. The finish? It goes on and on, with fruit and spice notes that seem to dance forever on your tongue.
Overall, this is an outstanding wine. It’s got everything – concentration, balance, and layers of complexity that keep you coming back for more. And here’s the exciting part – while it’s delicious now, it’s got the potential to age beautifully. Pop it in your cellar, and who knows what delightful surprises await in a few years!
2022 Ridge Three Valleys, Sonoma County | 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignan, 14% Petite Sirah, 5% Mataro | 14.2%
This Three Valleys blend is a feast for the senses. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby color with lively purple hints, promising a youthful and vibrant wine. As you swirl, enticing aromas of ripe red cherries and juicy blackberries leap from the glass, accompanied by warm notes of cinnamon and a subtle whisper of vanilla.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it’s wonderfully dry with a generous medium-plus body. The tannins are well-behaved – present but not overpowering – while the acidity keeps things fresh and lively. Flavors mirror the nose, with luscious red and black fruits taking center stage, supported by aromatic baking spices and a delicate touch of oak. Despite the high alcohol, everything feels beautifully balanced. The finish lingers pleasantly, inviting you back for another sip.
Overall, this is a very good wine that showcases excellent balance. The concentrated fruit flavors and engaging complexity make it a joy to drink now, but it also hints at potential for short-term aging. A delightful expression of Sonoma County’s diverse terroir!
2022 Ridge Pagani Ranch, Sonoma County |82% Zinfandel, 9% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Mataro | 14.4%
This wine is a visual treat, with a deep ruby-purple color that catches the light beautifully. When you give it a swirl, you’re greeted with an enticing mix of aromas—think ripe blackberries and juicy black cherries, with a surprising twist of zesty orange peel. A hint of aromatic laurel and the zing of freshly cracked white pepper adds complexity.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it’s dry and full-bodied, with tannins that are noticeable but not overwhelming. The acidity is bright and lively, balancing out the high alcohol content. Flavor-wise, it’s like a symphony in your mouth – lush black fruits lead the way, accompanied by bright citrus notes, savory herbs, and a sprinkling of spices. The finish? It goes on and on, leaving you with a sense of elegance long after you’ve swallowed.
Overall, this is an outstanding wine. It’s got everything you could ask for – perfect balance, intense flavors that really pack a punch, and layer upon layer of complexity. It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience, with a character that truly stands out from the crowd.
2022 Ridge Lytton Springs 50th Anniversary, Dry Creek Valley | 67% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 11% Carignan, 3% Alicante Bouschet | 14.4%
This wine is a visual treat, showing a deep purple color with an inky core that catches the light beautifully. When you give it a swirl, you’re greeted with an enticing mix of aromas – think ripe blackberries and juicy black plums, with a surprising twist of freshly cracked white pepper. There’s also a hint of vanilla and a whisper of dried Mediterranean herbs that adds complexity.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it’s dry and full-bodied, with high tannins yet velvety smooth. The acidity is vibrant, balancing out the high alcohol content, which is well-integrated. Flavor-wise, it’s like a symphony in your mouth—lush black fruits lead the way, accompanied by peppery spice, delicate vanilla, and nuanced oak. The finish? It goes on and on, leaving you with lingering spice notes long after you’ve swallowed.
Overall, this is an outstanding wine. It’s got everything you could ask for – impressive depth, perfect balance, and layer upon layer of complexity. While it’s delicious now, it’s also promising excellent evolution with cellaring. This isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience that truly stands out from the crowd.
2022 Ridge Geyserville, Alexander Valley | 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan, 10% Petite Sirah, 3% Mataro | 14.5%
This Ridge Geyserville is a feast for the senses. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby color with lively purple hints, promising a youthful and vibrant wine. As you swirl, enticing aromas leap from the glass – think ripe blackberries, juicy black cherries, and succulent plums, with a sprinkle of freshly cracked white pepper and a whisper of vanilla adding complexity.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it’s wonderfully dry and full-bodied. The tannins are high yet remarkably smooth, while the vibrant acidity keeps things fresh and lively. Despite the high alcohol, everything feels beautifully balanced. Flavors mirror the nose, with luscious black fruits taking center stage, supported by warm baking spices and a delicate touch of oak. The finish? It goes on and on, leaving you with lingering spice notes that seem to dance forever on your tongue.
Overall, this is an outstanding wine that showcases excellent balance, impressive intensity, and layers of complexity that keep you coming back for more. While it’s delicious now, it’s got the potential to age beautifully. Pop it in your cellar, and who knows what delightful surprises await in a few years!
2021 Ridge Estate Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains | 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot | 13.5%
This Monte Bello is a visual treat with a deep ruby-purple color that catches the light beautifully. When you swirl it, you’re greeted with an enticing mix of aromas—ripe blackcurrants and juicy blackberries, with elegant cedar and graphite notes and just a whisper of vanilla, adding complexity.
Take a sip, and you’ll find it wonderfully dry and full-bodied, with firm yet silky smooth tannins. The vibrant acidity keeps things fresh and lively while the alcohol sits comfortably in the background. Flavor-wise, it’s like a symphony in your mouth—concentrated black fruits lead the way, accompanied by cedar, tobacco leaf, and a fascinating hint of crushed minerals. The finish? It continues, leaving you with lingering fruit and refined oak notes that seem to dance forever on your tongue.
Overall, this is an outstanding wine that genuinely impresses. It’s got everything you could ask for – perfect balance, intense flavors that pack a punch and layer upon layer of complexity. While it’s delicious now, it’s also promising excellent evolution with cellaring. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience that truly stands out from the crowd.
These wines showcase Ridge’s commitment to expressing terroir and their skillful blending techniques. American oak is evident but well-integrated across the range, adding complexity without overpowering the fruit. The field blends, particularly the Zinfandel-based wines, demonstrate great harmony between the different varietals. Despite their youth, it was a lovely experience, and I can’t wait to try these wines again in a couple of years.
Conclusion: A Testament to California’s Winemaking Prowess
As I savor the last sip of Monte Bello, I’m struck by Ridge’s perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Even from across the Atlantic, the passion and craftsmanship behind these wines shine through. Their commitment to sustainable practices, field blends, and transparent labeling sets them apart in the world of wine.
Ridge isn’t just making wine; they’re crafting liquid history. This tasting has been an unforgettable journey through the best of California winemaking, all from the comfort of a charming Amsterdam wine bar.
I raise my glass to Ridge Vineyards – where every sip tells a story of passion, terroir, and the timeless allure of expertly crafted wine. And of course, a toast to Jan Jaap Altenburg for hosting this exceptional tasting. Cheers!
A heartfelt thank you to Jan Jaap Altenburg of Winebar Vindict for the invitation and for guiding us through this remarkable tasting, and to Katie Blakely for sharing the information and stories behind Ridge Vineyards.
For more information:
- Ridge Vineyards: https://www.ridgewine.com/
- Vindict Winebar: https://wijnbarvindict.nl/
- Follow Jan Jaap (sommeljj) on Instagram: @sommeljj
