Expensive wine 157: Ridge Geyserville 2018

One more reason why Ridge may be the best red wine producer in the U.S.

Has it been three years since a Ridge review appeared on the blog?

There’s really no excuse for that, given how much regard I have for Ridge and that it may be the finest U.S. red wine house. Which is even more impressive given that Ridge mostly makes zinfandel and red blends with zinfandel. (Yes, and Monte Bello.)

Case in point: The Ridge Geyserville 2018 ($47, purchased, 14.7%).

The Geyserville is not my favorite Ridge; that’s either the Lytton Springs or the Three Valleys. The former is usually a bit more restrained, while the latter is less expensive (though still a fine wine). I bought this because it’s all that was available in Dallas at the height of the pandemic.

And, of course, I was not disappointed. The wine is a blend of about two-thirds zinfandel, fleshed out with carignane, petite sirah, and alicante bouschet. It was very young when I tasted it last year, but was also very rich — and the two don’t usually go with each other.

Needless to say, there is lots and lots of black fruit — plums, an odd descriptor for zinfandel – as well as blackberries, plus so much else. Maybe some spice, maybe some cedar, maybe some herbs, certainly refined tannins. And even a savory thing.

This is a very pretty wine that should age well, getting more savory as it does. One review said to let it rest for 10 years; if you do, you’re more patient than I am. This is Father’s Day wine, either as a gift or for a holiday dinner or barbecue. Highly recommended.