February 29, 2020
LEAP DAY: Battle of the Reds Ridge vs. Martinelli!
1. 2016 Ridge Vineyards Geyersville Sonoma County - blend of 73% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 7% Petitt Verdot, 3% Alicante Bouschet grapes
The 2016 Geyserville Proprietary Red Wine is a real success this year, bursting from the glass with an exuberant bouquet of sweet cherries, blackberries and plums, with subtle hints of the licorice and spice to come with age, and a subtle framing of sweet new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and layered, with a lovely core of ripe, succulent fruit and beautifully fine-grained structuring tannins. The finish is long and pure. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
2. 2017 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel - blend of 84% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Alicante Bouschet, 2% Mataro
“The 2017 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch is fabulous. A dark, exotic beauty, the Pagani possesses off the charts flavor intensity and depth, with striking perfume, voluptuous fruit and magnificent balance. Inky red/purplish berries, lavender and spice are all amped up in this racy, extroverted Zinfandel from one of the most historic sites in Sonoma Valley.” Vinous Media: 94 Points
3. 2016 Ridge Estate Merlot Monte Bello Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains
The 2016 Merlot Estate is a gorgeous, classically-built wine that captures so much of what makes Ridge so unique. Savory herb, leather, tobacco, spice and menthol add intrigue to this mid-weight, understated yet beautifully persistent Merlot. Hints of sage, sweet tobacco, leather and mint give the Merlot a distinctive savory feel. Vinous Media: 92 Points
4. 2018 Ridge Estate Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains
Pale sun-bleached straw color. Ripe apple and yellow plum fruit aromas, citrus blossom, and sweet baked dessert. Sensuous entry, showing appealing mountain fruit, elegance, balanced acidity, and a beautiful mineral aftertaste. Wine Advocate
5. 2016 Martinelli Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay Bella Vigna Sonoma County
Bella Vigna Chardonnay has a light, delicate nose of citrus and crisp pear. The palate offers a lush, focused vitality of licorice, orange blossom, apple and toast. Winery
6. 2016 Martinelli Zinfandel Vigneto di Evo Russian River
This robust, generous and ripe red offers a mix of candied plum, blackberry and black olive, with a lavender tone to brighten the concentrated fruit. A sweet oak note complements the richness of the palate. Rated 92 Wine Enthusiast
7. 2017 Martinelli Pinot Noir Bella Vigna Sonoma Coast
This is an earthy and fresh varietal wine, with a surprising level of density and weight. Dark berry fruit and baking spice combine across a seamless palate of integrated tannin and oak, ending with a jammy richness that satisfies. Rated 92 Wine Enthusiast Magazine
8. 2018 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa Russian River
Our 2018 Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel has deep aromas of boysenberry, stone fruits, and sweet leather that explodes and engulfs your nose. Supple tannins take the sweet flavors of black plum, raspberry, and white peach through to a long, full finish. Winery