Ridge California Zinfandel

by former winemerchant

We may have peaked a little early for our special Christmas wine this year! December 23 we opened a bottle of Ridge California Zinfandel Paso Robles 2001. This was a bottle we picked up in New York some 18 months ago, and has been gently maturing in our cellars (OK under the stairs) ever since. The main course was a smoked Gammon joint, glazed with honey and served with roasted root vegetables.

I am a declared fan of Zinfandels (well the reds, not the blush!) but this must be the best I have tasted - supremely smooth and rich with wonderful blended tones of chocolate, prune, oak and spice - great texture and structure but with friendly tannins. Quite a mouthful at 14.5%alc but it coped well with the sweetness of the gammon and glaze.

Unfortunately I cannot find a UK stockist for the Paso Robles, but Ridge’s other Zindandels are available. Ridge seem to have built their reputation on Zin (or is it really Primitivo?) - and whilst they are not cheap, I have never been disappointed in a bottle of Ridge - try the Geyserville or Lytton Springs which are more widely available.

Ridge has a great website at www.ridgewine.com where they also have audio and video podcast feeds.
Other Ridge Zinfandels are available in the UK from the Secret Cellar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent