Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys, Sonoma County (2022)
The 2022 Vintage
Ridge Vineyards is a titan of American winemaking, fiercely dedicated to single-vineyard expressions, making the Three Valleys cuvée a rare and highly intentional exception. By masterfully blending fruit from ten distinct Sonoma County sites, they have created the ultimate introduction to their legendary, terroir-driven house style.
The cellar philosophy remains completely uncompromising, treating this multi-site blend with the exact same pre-industrial reverence as their top-tier single vineyards. Composed primarily of Zinfandel supported by old-vine Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Mataro, the fruit is fermented using strictly native yeasts before maturing for twelve months in air-dried American oak. This patient, hands-off approach builds a surprisingly sophisticated, muscular framework without masking the intensely bright, natural energy of the Sonoma fruit.
Pouring a glass reveals a masterclass in approachability and balance, delivering a deeply inviting profile of wild mountain berry, black plum, and crushed mint, all interwoven with classic American oak spice. It is a highly intelligent, beautifully structured red that completely captivates the palate, offering an immediate sense of California history and serious drinking pleasure without the wait required by the estate's flagship bottlings.
The Fulham Wine Co Take
Ridge Vineyards
