Geyserville Zinfandel Blend (1982)

About this wine

The 1982 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel Blend offers a harmonious combination of ripe berry flavors, including black cherry and plum, complemented by subtle spice and earthy undertones. The cool growing season of 1982 allowed for harvesting at lower sugar levels, resulting in a wine with balanced acidity and a graceful structure. As it has aged, this wine has developed complex layers, with the initial fruitiness evolving into more nuanced notes of cedar and dried herbs. Ridge Vineyards has been producing this single-vineyard Zinfandel since 1966, highlighting the unique terroir of the Geyserville vineyard in Alexander Valley. This vintage exemplifies the winery's commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and the expression of site-specific characteristics.

About the grape

Zinfandel, originally from Croatia, has become a cornerstone of California winemaking, especially in regions like Alexander Valley. Its ability to produce robust red wines with high sugar content makes it ideal for crafting bold, flavorful blends. Petite Sirah, known for its deep color and firm tannins, complements Zinfandel by adding structure and longevity to the wine. In the 1982 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville blend, these varietals were cultivated from some of the oldest vines in the area, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth. The Geyserville vineyard, with vines dating back to 1891, showcases the rich history and tradition of winemaking in the region.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1982 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville is composed of 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah, showcasing a classic field blend that highlights the vineyard's unique terroir.
• 🏞️ Ridge Vineyards has produced the Geyserville Zinfandel every year since 1966, making it one of the longest-running single-vineyard Zinfandels in California.
• 🌳 The Geyserville vineyard includes vines planted as early as 1891, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity.
• 🌡️ The 1982 vintage had an alcohol content of 12.6%, reflecting the cooler growing season that year, which allowed for harvesting at lower sugar levels.
• 🍷 Ridge Vineyards emphasizes traditional winemaking techniques, such as natural yeast fermentation and aging in small oak barrels, to preserve the wine's authentic character.

Palate profile

Producer

Ridge Vineyards, located in the United States, has a rich history dating back to 1885 when Dr. Osea Perrone, a prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, purchased 180 acres on Monte Bello Ridge in California's Santa Cruz Mountains. He terraced the slopes, planted vineyards, and constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. In 1959, four scientists from the Stanford Research Institute—David Bennion, Hewitt Crane, Charles Rosen, and Howard Zeidler—acquired the property, re-bonded the winery in 1962, and began producing wines that emphasized single-vineyard expressions. Ridge Vineyards gained international acclaim when its 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon placed fifth in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that pitted California wines against French classics. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards.