2015 East Bench Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
Aged for 12 months in American oak (10% new). Bright mid crimson. Heady sweet and savoury nose with real vitality. On the palate it's clear this is claret-like Zin, not berry jam. This is a serious take on Zinfandel, as one would expect of this producer. You could drink it now if you insist but it's really more suitable for cellaring. One of the more youthful wines in this collection. (JR)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Possessing classic Zinfandel notes of black and blue fruits, dried cedar, spice and dried herbs, the 2015 Zinfandel East Bench comes from a site in the Dry Creek Valley and is 100% Zinfandel. Medium to full-bodied, savory and nicely textured on the palate, it has a dry edge to its tannin that’s cause for concern, but still has plenty to love. I’d drink it over the coming 4-6 years. Ridge continues to produce a stacked lineup from their estate vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains, as well as numerous sites in Sonoma County. These reviews focus mostly on their 2015s, which was the earliest harvest on record for Ridge. Nevertheless, the wines show terrific purity and elegance, and it’s a rock-solid vintage for the estate. The Bordeaux blends are from the 2014 vintage, which was another hot, dry year. These are big, ripe, sexy releases that have the fruit and depth to drink nicely today, yet are going to age beautifully.
The 2015 Zinfandel East Bench, 100% Zinfandel from Ridge's Dry Creek estate, is deep, pliant and generous, all qualities that make it easy to drink and enjoy, even today. Succulent dark cherry and plum fruit flavors add to the wine's up-front personality. Bright acids perk up the finish, but this is a decidedly fruity style.
All young vines and all Zinfandel, hence higher alcohol. Planted in 2000 in five different blocks using mass selection. All US oak for 16-18 months and 20% new – as for all their Zinfandels. Mid cherry and finely fragrant, fresh but spicy dark-red fruit. You can just taste some oak sweetness here but it melds well with the fruit. (JH)
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.