2023 Ridge Vineyards Three Valleys Zinfandel, Sonoma County, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 

Ruby red color, blackberry and raspberry on the nose. Medium bodied with smooth tannins, plum fruit and a note of vanilla on the finish.

TASTING NOTES:

Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry bush, baking spices and violets. The palate is full-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel and firmly framed tannins that end in a lush and generous finish. Made from a blend of 71% zinfandel, 16% carignane, 9% petite sirah, 2% mataro and 2% alicante bouschet. Drink or hold.

- James Suckling, 93 pts. 

Made since 2001 from a number of Sonoma County vineyards, the 2023 Three Valleys blends 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% each Mataro and Alicante Bouschet from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley. Floral, it is complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. Though it is one of Ridge’s largest production wines, it is made in the exact same way as all its others, in open top tanks with real oak and native fermentations. It’s meant to represent a vintage more than a location. A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it. It’s drinking well now and should continue to for another 5-7 years.

- Jeb Dunnuck, 93 pts. 

Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper, plus a whiff of dill as this builds toward fine-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet.

- Wine Spectator, 93 pts.

The 2023 Three Valleys is a serious edition of this bottling from Ridge. Firm and structured, it delivers brambly blue fruit, graphite, licorice and tons of spice, all wrapped up in a voluptuous frame. The Ridge house style is on full display. The 2023 punches way above its modest price point.

- Vinous, 93 pts.

Ridge’s 2023 Three Valleys is the estate’s biggest production wine, with approximately 30,000 cases produced annually at the Lytton Springs winery. The wine is made using the same traditional methods as their vineyard-designated offerings, including native yeast fermentation, open-top fermenters, and ageing in American oak (with around10% new oak in 2023), which lends Ridge’s hallmark spice and structure. This vintage is composed of 70% Zinfandel, sourced from various Ridge vineyards, and is designed for approachability and broad appeal. In the glass, it presents an abundance of black fruit, layered with crushed floral tones. The tannins are lightly grippy with hints of baking spice and toast on the finish. A versatile, food-friendly red, and a nice by-the-glass pour.

- Decanter, 92 pts. 

The 2023 Three Valleys is a blend of 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro and 2% Alicante Bouschet that matured for 12 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It has layered aromas of wild berries, Italian plums, chargrilled meats, resinous herbs and lavender. The full-bodied palate offers highly concentrated flavors, though it’s light on its feet, with chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. It has a long, spicy finish. Expressive and elegant, it overdelivers this vintage!

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 pts. 

Bright raspberry and boysenberry aromas come into focus on the nose of this Zin blend. The palate packs a wallop of rich raspberry-lemon, blueberry and cinnamon flavors, while the finish displays grippy tannins, aromatic spices and whispers of lilacs.

- Wine Enthusiast, 91 pts.