Description
Geyserville comes from one of Ridge’s historic sites in Alexander Valley, a patchwork of old-vine, head-trained, dry-farmed blocks that have been producing Zinfandel-based field blends since the late 19th century and became a Ridge bottling starting with the 1960s vintages. Ridge Vineyards itself dates back to the pre-Prohibition Monte Bello winery but rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s under Paul Draper, pioneering single-vineyard California wines and a “hands-off” philosophy that relies on native yeasts, minimal intervention, and careful use of American oak to transparently express sites like Geyserville.
Ridge’s 2023 Geyserville is a dark, concentrated field blend led by Zinfandel, showing vivid aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and loganberry layered with violet, chaparral herbs, and a touch of mocha and licorice. On the palate it is full-bodied yet finely balanced, with penetrating raspberry and blackberry fruit, black olive, cracked pepper, and cedar spice, carried by firm but supple tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, savory finish that promises excellent evolution over the next decade or more.
70% Zinfandel, 18% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, and 3% Alicante Bouschet.
