Sunshine wines with old world manners 

Delicious classics from Ridge Vineyards

Ridge scarcely needs an introduction, it is such a classic Uncorked producer. We've long stocked the familiar vineyards and they continue to grow in reputation. Now the vines on other sites are much more mature we are seeing different bottlings, once the preserve of locals and some other markets. East Bench and Estate Merlot are two of these and there may be more in the future.

First the classics and old favourites. Although most famous for their Cabernets and Zinfandels, it is the limestone planted Chardonnays (originally planted in the 1940s) some of whose vines go back to the seventies that are among the company's most treasured wines. They have the hallmark of Californian sunshine but carry Paul Draper's quasi-European restraint and elegance. As do the Zinfandels. in the case of the Geyserville and Lytton blends they age more than gracefully and one can see their being labelled as claret quite plausibly.

Of the wines you may be less familiar with, the East Bench is 100% Zinfandel and younger vines and so is drinking very well from release. It will age, but really this is so enjoyable now that even Colin would drink it young. And so, in the spirit of leaving the best until last, we present the Ridge Estate Merlot. Taken entirely from the Monte Bello vineyard atop a cool and breezy mountain and from vines with an average age of over 20 years, it has low yields and unlike many Merlots sub 14% alcohol. This is partly the result of using natural yeast and partly the cool and arid site, but the important things are the complexity and balance. /CW

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment autumn 2016