Three Valleys Zinfandel 2021

Ridge, originally Monte Bello Winery, was established in the late 1800s but was abandoned until the late 1940s when many of the vineyards had to be restarted. The winery was renamed Ridge Vineyards in 1962, with its first Zinfandel produced two years later from the 19th-century vines. Today’s world-class reputation for Zinfandel started when Paul Draper joined Ridge in 1969. The approach to winemaking at Ridge follows what they call a “pre-industrial” philosophy. They do not use modern additives or industrial processing, instead using pre-Prohibition traditional techniques, practising organic and sustainable viticulture, using the grapes’ natural yeasts and malolactic bacteria. Any additives are only what has been used in winemaking for over a century. Their simplistic and iconic wine labels list what it takes to make each of their exemplary wines.