Ridge Zinfandel Ponzo 2015

Favorable spring weather helped set a full crop at the Ponzo vineyard. The temperate climate of the Russian River Valley typically delays harvest into October, but by early September the grapes were fully ripe. After a natural yeast fermentation, we chose the Old Vines block for its structure and the Front and Back blocks for their intense fruit and aromatics. This sumptuous zinfandelwill be best over the next six years.

Nose of citrus blossom, raspberry and mango, minerally Bing cherry on the palate with supple tannins, refreshing acidity and a lingering finish.

The color is not quite opaque, garnet all the way through. Gorgeous black raspberry and vanilla float up on the nose. On the palate it’s a bit reductive, and offers plums, raspberry, licorice, and black pepper. Tannins are dusty, acids bright. This is a bit more ripe and a bit less complex than expected.  Drink with dry-rub pork ribs. 

Blend: 97% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah