Ridge Vineyards : Three Valleys 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Three Valleys 2021 from Ridge Vineyards

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a moderately saturated ruby hue, typical of this Zinfandel-dominant vintage.

Nose
The nose opens on a complex, enticing bouquet, revealing aromas of strawberry jam and red fruits intertwined with notes of toasted oak. Fragrances of black cherries, black tea and baking spices complete this generous aromatic palette. With aeration, nuances of garrigue and milk chocolate gradually emerge.

Palate
The attack is lively and spicy, carried by bright acidity and a lovely mid-palate volume. The palate reveals layered flavors of black and blue fruits, accompanied by notes of milk chocolate, cherries and garrigue. The textured tannins provide structure and depth, while the juicy, spicy character of Zinfandel gives the wine an immediately seductive personality. The finish lingers elegantly with mineral and chocolate notes.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, barbecue dishes or feathered game. It also happily accompanies aged hard cheeses. Its balanced structure and spicy aromatic profile make it an ideal partner for herb-scented Mediterranean dishes or peppery preparations.

Serving and cellaring

The Three Valleys 2021 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably through around 2028. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and structure.

A Sonoma County blend true to the Ridge Vineyards philosophy

The estate

A pioneer, Dr. Osea Perrone acquired land in 1885 in the Dry Creek Valley area and planted vines on this terroir of clay-limestone soils. The first vintage was produced in 1892.

Purchased in 1959 and renamed in 1962 as « Ridge Vineyards », the estate developed its vineyard and enlisted Californian winemaker Paul Draper to make the property an icon among the greatest California wines.

Ridge Vineyards oversees an exceptional vineyard farmed organically, renowned for the quality of its wines made with a non-interventionist approach, showcasing the purest expression of the fruit.

The vineyard

The Three Valleys 2021 comes from a rigorous selection of ten distinct parcels spread across four appellations in Sonoma County: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley and Russian River Valley. These vineyards benefit from varied soils, mainly composed of gravelly loam and gravelly clay on the hillsides. This diversity of terroirs brings complexity and depth to the final blend. The vines, farmed according to organic principles, are cultivated with respect for the environment and the natural expression of each site. The combination of these different Sonoma County terroirs makes it possible to create a harmonious wine that reflects the richness and diversity of this Californian winegrowing region.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by particularly dry climatic conditions. The dry winter and spring created moderate water stress in the vineyards, naturally limiting yields while concentrating aromas and phenolic compounds in the berries. Flowering occurred in early May, setting an early timeline for the season. These conditions favored optimal ripening of the grapes, producing small fruit with great aromatic intensity. Harvest took place from August 21 to October 16, allowing for selective picking at optimal maturity for each parcel.

Winemaking and aging

True to Ridge Vineyards’ pre-industrial philosophy, the Three Valleys 2021 was crafted using traditional methods that prioritize the natural expression of the fruit. After hand harvesting, the grapes were destemmed and crushed before being fermented exclusively with native yeasts from the vineyards, without any inoculation with commercial cultures. Pump-over decisions were made through blind tasting of each fermenting lot, allowing extraction to be tailored to the specific characteristics of each tank. Malolactic fermentation took place naturally thanks to bacteria present in the winery environment. Aging then continued for twelve months in air-dried American oak barrels, with only 10% new barrels, 50% four-year-old barrels and 40% five-year-old barrels or older. This respectful approach allows the fruit and terroir to fully express themselves without being masked by overly pronounced oaky aromas.

Grape varieties

Zinfandel (65 %)
Petite Sirah (26 %)
Syrah (5 %)
Alicante Bouschet (4 %)