Jimsomare (1985)

About this wine

This 1985 Jimsomare Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its maturity. The nose reveals aromas of cedar, leather, and dried red fruits, reflecting its time in the bottle. On the palate, flavors of blackcurrant and subtle spice are complemented by firm yet balanced tannins, providing a structured mouthfeel. The finish is long and lingering, with hints of earthiness and a touch of minerality. Sourced from the esteemed Jimsomare Vineyard on Monte Bello Ridge, this wine showcases the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains, known for producing age-worthy Cabernets.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is a hardy vine that produces full-bodied wines with high tannins and great aging potential. In the late 19th century, the Jimsomare Vineyard on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains was renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, winning gold medals at Paris Expositions in the 1890s. Ridge Vineyards began producing wine from this vineyard in 1968, initially focusing on Zinfandel, and later replanting Cabernet Sauvignon in the early 1970s. The 1985 vintage from Jimsomare showcased the vineyard's ability to produce intense, deep wines that develop complexity over time.

Quick facts

• 🏅 The Jimsomare Vineyard, located on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, has a rich history dating back to the 1890s, when its Cabernet Sauvignon wines earned gold medals at the Paris Expositions.
• 🌱 In the early 1970s, Ridge Vineyards replanted the Jimsomare Vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon, leading to consistently intense and deep wines that develop complexity over time.
• 🍷 The 1985 Ridge Vineyards Jimsomare Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from vines that were approximately ten years old at the time, showcasing the vineyard's maturation and the wine's potential for aging.
• 🏞️ Ridge Vineyards, established in 1962, is renowned for its commitment to single-vineyard winemaking, emphasizing the unique terroir of each site, including the Jimsomare Vineyard.
• ⛰️ The Jimsomare Vineyard's high-altitude location at 2,300 feet contributes to a cooler climate, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and complex flavor profiles.

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.