2020 Ridge Zinfandel East Bench
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Zinfandel East Bench reveals a medium ruby/plum color to go with more savory notes of red and black plums, baking spices, dried herbs, and incense. It's medium-bodied on the palate, has a good mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a solid finish. It comes in a fair click behind the 2018 and 2019, but it’s nevertheless an outstanding wine as well as a terrific effort in this challenging vintage. While many of these wines fall outside the “Central Coast,” I was able to taste a full lineup from Ridge and am happy to include these wines here. Going forward, the Sonoma releases will be covered by my colleague, Audrey Frick.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Zinfandel East Bench emerges from Funsten Ranch in Dry Creek Valley. It offers good energy in a taut, nervy style. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, rose and orange peel lend nuance. I would prefer to drink this light-bodied Zinfandel over the next few years, before the fruit fades.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.