Ridge Vineyards stands as a pillar in the history of California winemaking, known for its commitment to transparency, terroir expression, and minimalist intervention. Established in 1962 on the rugged slopes of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ridge was one of the first American wineries to bottle vineyard-designated wines, revealing the unique signatures of individual sites long before it became fashionable. Under the vision of legendary winemaker Paul Draper, Ridge has emphasized sustainable vineyard practices, native yeast fermentations, and a restrained use of oak, championing varietal purity and balance. Their approach reflects a philosophy that great wine is made in the vineyard, with each bottling a careful study of place, vintage, and tradition.

The 2022 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel “Stone Ranch” from Alexander Valley embodies this philosophy with precision. Grown on old vines—some dating back to the early 1960s—rooted in Pleasanton gravelly loam soils on the western edge of the valley, this Zinfandel expresses an intense aromatic profile saturated with black cherry, raspberry, and spice. Ridge’s classic blend for Stone Ranch is 88% Zinfandel with 12% Petite Sirah, yielding a wine with weighty texture, vibrant acidity, and layered complexity. Fermented with native yeasts and aged for 18 months in a mix of new and seasoned American oak, the 2022 vintage shows concentrated fruit from a small-yielding, heat-influenced harvest. The result is a balanced, food-friendly red that highlights the vineyard’s distinctive character and Ridge’s dedication to authenticity.

Why You'll Love It

• Exceptional old-vine pedigree delivers intense fruit and complexity unique to Alexander Valley.

• Minimal intervention winemaking fosters purity, freshness, and site-driven expression.

• Offers both immediate pleasure and the structure to age gracefully for up to a decade.

How to Serve It

• Decant for 30–60 minutes before serving to unlock full aromatic potential.

• Serve at cellar temperature (about 60–65°F) to preserve balance and vibrancy.

• Pair with grilled lamb, barbecued pork, or hearty vegetarian dishes to complement its depth and spice.