From: Sonoma, CA
Blend: 73% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane, 3% Mataro, and 1% Alicante Bouschet

Critical Acclaim
Wine Spectator 93 PT
An engaging blend, well-knit and distinctive for its savory raspberry and cherry flavors that draw in bay leaf, Asian spice and smoked pepper notes. Tannins are ripe and briary. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro. Drink now through 2029.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 PT
Checking in as a blend of 73% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, and the rest Mataro and Alicante Bouschet, the 2019 Three Valleys has a juicy blackberry, mulberry, orange blossom, violet, and flowery incense-driven bouquet. This gives way to a medium-bodied wine with a soft, elegant texture, sweet tannins, and just an undeniably delicious, gulpable, balanced style that's impossible to resist. It's well worth seeking out and ideal for enjoying over the coming 5-7 years.

Connoisseurs' Guide 91 PT
73% Zinfandel; 13% Petite Sirah; 10% Carignane; 3% Mataro; 1% Alicante Bouschet. Here is yet another Ridge Zinfandel that is both keen in focus on varietal fruit and more mannerly and polished than it is brash and powerful. To be sure, it is fairly full in weight and has a good bit of depth to its supple, balanced, straightforward personality; and it promises to be good today and good in the next several years if you decide to lay some away. GOOD VALUE

Wine Enthusiast 90 PT
Although quite firm with tannin's, this full bodied blend of traditional California grape varieties fills out its structure nicely with ripe blackberry and black-pepper flavors. Based on Zinfandel, it’s a robust wine that will make a great pairing with grilled meats and the like. Best from 2023.

Taste: The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys from Sonoma County, CA, presents itself with a deep garnet-red hue that hints at the richness contained within. On the nose, the wine opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe raspberry and cherry fruits, underscored by fresh mint, exotic spices, and clay-earth minerals. These enticing aromas pave the way for an equally captivating palate.

Upon tasting, the wine reveals a beautiful medley of briary fruits, showcasing the blend's 73% Zinfandel. The medium-full body effortlessly carries these flavors, which are complemented by well-integrated tannins that lend structure without overpowering the palate. The wine's complexity is further highlighted by nuances of blackberry, mulberry, orange blossom, violet, and flowery incense that intermingle harmoniously. The finish is persistent and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and balance.

Pairing: The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys' robust flavor profile and full-bodied structure make it a versatile companion to a wide range of dishes. Its ripe fruit flavors and savory notes of Asian spice and smoked pepper effortlessly complement the richness of grilled meats, such as steak, lamb, or pork. The wine's well-integrated tannins can stand up to hearty, tomato-based pasta dishes or wood-fired pizzas adorned with robust toppings (check out the recipe below). For a delightful contrast, consider pairing this wine with a dish featuring earthy mushrooms or roasted root vegetables, which will accentuate the wine's clay-earth mineral undertones.

For a vegetarian-friendly pairing, consider serving the 2019 Ridge Three Valleys alongside a wild mushroom risotto or a hearty eggplant Parmesan. The wine's fruit and spice notes will complement the umami-rich flavors of the mushrooms and eggplant, while the integrated tannins will enhance the creaminess of the risotto or the melted cheese in the Parmesan.

Another option is to pair the wine with a vegetable-based, wood-fired pizza topped with a combination of caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, and tangy goat cheese. The medley of flavors will create a harmonious balance with the wine's fruit and spice characteristics.

Buldak Pizza (Korean Fire Chicken Pizza)
By J. Kenji López-Alt

About. Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Ridge Vineyards boasts a rich history dating back to 1885. The winery, initially founded by Osea Perrone, has since gained a reputation for producing exceptional red wines. Over the years, Ridge has refined its approach to winemaking, focusing on capturing the essence of the most intense and flavorful grapes while allowing the natural process to shine. Today, we'll explore the 2019 Ridge Three Valleys, a remarkable blend that perfectly embodies the Ridge winemaking philosophy.

A Journey Through Ridge's History
Ridge Vineyards' journey began with the purchase of 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The first vintage of Monte Bello was produced in 1892 in a winery constructed of redwood and native limestone. Though Ridge initially began as a Cabernet winery, by the mid-60s, it had produced several Zinfandels, including the Geyserville. In 1972, Lytton Springs joined the lineup, and the two Zinfandels came to represent an essential part of Ridge production. Despite being known primarily for red wines, Ridge has also produced limited amounts of Chardonnay since 1962.

The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys Blend
The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys is a captivating blend of 73% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane, 3% Mataro, and 1% Alicante Bouschet. This deep garnet-red wine features enticing aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry fruits, fresh mint, exotic spices, and clay-earth minerals. The palate reveals beautiful briary fruits, medium-full body, integrated tannins, and an impressive persistence to the finish.

Critical Acclaim
The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys has garnered high praise from wine critics, earning a Wine Spectator score of 93 points, with Jeb Dunnuck awarding it 92 points. Connoisseurs' Guide and Wine Enthusiast both gave it 91 and 90 points, respectively. The wine's savory raspberry and cherry flavors, complemented by bay leaf, Asian spice, and smoked pepper notes, have captivated critics and wine enthusiasts alike.

Tasting Notes and Pairings
This remarkable blend showcases juicy blackberry, mulberry, orange blossom, violet, and flowery incense-driven bouquet, with a medium-bodied, soft, and elegant texture. The sweet tannins and irresistibly delicious, gulpable, and balanced style make it the perfect wine for enjoying over the coming 5-7 years. The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys' full-bodied structure, filled with ripe blackberry and black-pepper flavors, makes it an ideal pairing for grilled meats and other hearty dishes.

Conclusion
The 2019 Ridge Three Valleys is an exceptional representation of the winery's dedication to crafting high-quality, flavorful, and complex wines. Its engaging blend, ripe fruit flavors, and elegant texture make it an unmissable addition to any wine collection. So, whether you're a seasoned Ridge enthusiast or exploring their wines for the first time, the 2019 Three Valleys is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of Sonoma County's finest.