2021 Ridge Geyserville (Zinfandel)

76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignan , 6% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro. This is Ridge's longest continuous production site for Zinfandel. The first vintage for this vineyard was in 1966. The oldest part of the vineyard was planted in the 1880s. This vineyard is dry farmed and grows in the former Russian River bed (before the river changed course). 100% air-dried American oak barrels (30% new) for 16 months. pH 3.55, TA 6.84 g/l. Organic. Medium ruby verging on purple in colour. Spicy red and black plum, cinnamon, clove, anise and a more savoury spice note akin to red chilli. Fresh, high acidity and fine-grained, moderate tannin. Lightly sandy, plummy finish. More savoury than the Lytton Springs bottling. (SCJ)

The 2021 Geyserville checks in as 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, and the rest Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. It has a pure, expressive bouquet of fresh plums, figs, mulberries, peppery herbs, leather, and vanilla bean, and it takes some air to show at its best, gaining depth and richness with time in the glass. This medium to full-bodied, spicy, elegant red blend has a touch more oak present than I'm accustomed to, but it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age.

The 2021 Geyserville hits the palate with a burst of dark red/purplish fruit, sweet spice, lavender, chocolate, dried herbs and American oak. I would be in no rush to open the 2021, as it is clearly an infant at this stage. The blend is 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Syrah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. The 2021 is a powerhouse, that much is pretty clear.