{"title":"Santa Cruz Wine Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eSanta Cruz Mountains are home to some of California’s most historic and distinctive mountain wines. Shaped by high elevations, Pacific influence, and dramatic vineyard sites, the region produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay with freshness, structure, and remarkable longevity. Explore Santa Cruz Mountains wines from benchmark producers including Ridge Vineyards, Mount Eden, Rhys, Thomas Fogarty, and other leading estates.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2022-ridge-vineyards-zinfandel-stone-ranch-alexander-valleysomm2511-rid22zin-750","title":"2022 Ridge Vineyards, Zinfandel, \"Stone Ranch\", Alexander Valley","description":"\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eRidge 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.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ridgewine.com\/about\/history\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eThe 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.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ridgewine.com\/product\/2022-stone-ranch-zinfandel\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"why-youll-love-it\"\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eExceptional old-vine pedigree delivers intense fruit and complexity unique to Alexander Valley.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mazzocco.com\/Our-Story\/Vineyards\/Stone-Ranch\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eMinimal intervention winemaking fosters purity, freshness, and site-driven expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eOffers both immediate pleasure and the structure to age gracefully for up to a decade.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cellartracker.com\/wine.asp?iWine=5050695\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"how-to-serve-it\"\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eDecant for 30–60 minutes before serving to unlock full aromatic potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eServe at cellar temperature (about 60–65°F) to preserve balance and vibrancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003ePair with grilled lamb, barbecued pork, or hearty vegetarian dishes to complement its depth and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44306264227894,"sku":"SOMM2511-RID22ZIN-750","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022RidgeVineyards_Zinfandel_StoneRanch_AlexanderValley.png?v=1762464370"},{"product_id":"2017-ridge-vineyards-lytton-springs-dry-creek-valleysomm2601-rdg17lytnsp-750","title":"2017 Ridge Vineyards, \"Lytton Springs\" Dry Creek Valley","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2017 Ridge Vineyards “Lytton Springs” — Direct From the Winery Library\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA benchmark vintage from one of California’s most historic Zinfandel sites, the \u003cstrong\u003e2017 Ridge Lytton Springs\u003c\/strong\u003e is a masterclass in old‑vine field‑blend winemaking. Sourced from vines dating back to the early 1900s, this wine delivers the unmistakable depth, purity, and structure that have made Lytton Springs a collector favorite for decades. Direct from the winery’s library, provenance is flawless and bottle condition pristine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2017 vintage shows Lytton Springs at its most expressive: vibrant red and blue fruits, lifted floral tones, spice‑box complexity, and the signature Ridge freshness that keeps the wine both powerful and beautifully balanced. This is a bottle built for the long haul, but already stunning in its layered, energetic youth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinous Media — 94 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e “Ridge’s 2017 Lytton Springs opens up beautifully, with bright acids that drive a whole range of red\/purplish fruit intermingled with floral notes. Creamy and ample in feel, the 2017 boasts superb balance and pedigree. Readers lucky enough to own it should plan on cellaring it for at least a few years.” — \u003cem\u003eAntonio Galloni (October 2019)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan role=\"button\" data-url=\"https:\/\/JamesSuckling.com\" aria-label=\"JamesSuckling.com, this will take you to jamessuckling.com\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eJamesSuckling.com \u003c\/span\u003e — 94 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e “This blend of 74% zinfandel, 15% petite sirah, 9% carignane and 2% mataro has that signature Ridge freshness and definition with such reliable focus on fruit. Aromas of dried plums, dry roasted spices, red flowers and leaves lead to a palate that has such succulent, rich red berries and plums. So lively and attractive. Drink or hold.” — \u003cem\u003eJames Suckling (December 2019)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/lytton_sign_2fa347e0-96d6-402c-8593-7a7026c17d90.jpg?v=1769061264\" alt='Ridge Vineyards, \"Lytton Springs\" Dry Creek Valley' style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44694330703926,"sku":"SOMM2601-RDG17LYTNSP-750","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2017RidgeVineyards_LyttonSpringsDryCreekValley.png?v=1768945365"},{"product_id":"2016-ridge-vineyards-geyserville-alexander-valleysomm2601-rdge16gysr-750","title":"2016 Ridge Vineyards, \"Geyserville\", Alexander Valley","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2016 Ridge Vineyards “Geyserville” — Direct From the Winery Library\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA cornerstone of Ridge’s legacy and one of California’s most celebrated field‑blend reds, the \u003cstrong\u003e2016 Geyserville\u003c\/strong\u003e stands as a reference‑point vintage from this historic Alexander Valley site. Sourced from vines dating back more than a century and co‑planted to dozens of heritage varieties, Geyserville has long been prized for its depth, purity, and uncanny ability to age gracefully. Direct from the winery’s library, this release offers flawless provenance and pristine bottle condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2016 vintage is widely regarded as one of the great modern Geyservilles—powerful, structured, and beautifully layered, yet already showing the seamless texture that makes this cuvée so beloved. Zinfandel leads the blend at 73%, supported by Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouschet, creating a wine that marries dark fruit intensity with Ridge’s signature lift and precision. It’s a bottle built for long‑term cellaring but already thrilling in its youthful energy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan aria-label=\"JamesSuckling.com, this will take you to jamessuckling.com\" data-url=\"https:\/\/JamesSuckling.com\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eJamesSuckling.com \u003c\/span\u003e — 96 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e “This is impressive for the sense of presence and depth it delivers on the nose and palate with subtly spiced dark plums and cherries, as well as cocoa powder and a superbly composed structure that delivers a seamless, long and fresh finish… Drink or hold.” — \u003cem\u003eJames Suckling (Nov 2018)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinous Media — 95 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e “The 2016 Zinfandel Geyserville is a powerful, tightly wound wine… Black cherry, graphite, lavender, and spice are all laced throughout… There is a purity to the 2016 that is absolutely striking.” — \u003cem\u003eAntonio Galloni (Aug 2018)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan aria-label=\"JebDunnuck.com, this will take you to jebdunnuck.com\" data-url=\"https:\/\/JebDunnuck.com\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eJebDunnuck.com \u003c\/span\u003e — 95 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e “A gorgeous bouquet of ripe red and black cherries, caramelized plums, toasted spices, and exotic flowers… seamless, medium to full‑bodied, elegant… one of the more approachable vintages of this cuvée I can remember… It’s a great wine.” — \u003cem\u003eJeb Dunnuck (Jun 2018)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate — 95 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e “Bursting from the glass with an exuberant bouquet of sweet cherries, blackberries and plums… medium to full‑bodied, supple and layered, with beautifully fine‑grained tannins… long and pure.” — \u003cem\u003eWilliam Kelley (May 2018)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\" alt='Ridge Vineyards, \"Geyserville\", Alexander Valley' src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/ridge-vineyards-wine.jpg?v=1769106663\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44694333489206,"sku":"SOMM2601-RDGE16GYSR-750","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2016RidgeVineyards_Geyserville_AlexanderValley.png?v=1768945597"},{"product_id":"2023-thomas-fogarty-chardonnay-santa-cruz-mountains","title":"2023 Thomas Fogarty, Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eFor decades, the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains have flown just under the radar compared to Sonoma and Santa Barbara. But those in the know recognize this AVA as the holy grail of California Chardonnay history, built by age-worthy giants like Mount Eden and Ridge Monte Bello. Dr. Thomas Fogarty cemented that legacy in the late ’70s, choosing precision over trends by planting roots directly into steep, fractured sandstone and slate. Today, those deep-rooting old vines (averaging 30 to 40+ years) serve as the backbone for an absolute masterpiece of an appellation blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe remarkably cool 2023 vintage allowed the fruit to hang lazily into November, resulting in a wine of immense class, structure, and pure energy. While we tasted our way through Fogarty’s entire single-site lineup, this cuvée stole the show for its sheer balance. Fermented with native yeasts and aged with extreme restraint in mostly neutral, 3-year air-dried French oak, the wood here isn’t used for flavor—it’s strictly a vessel to build gorgeous texture while letting the raw, rocky minerality do all the talking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e Dialed-in and laser-focused, the 2023 bursts with mouthwatering citrus, lemon curd, and a heavy core of saline, flinty minerality that slices across the palate with breathtaking tension. It possesses the texturally complete weight to floor a Burgundy purist, backended by an electric, savory finish that demands another sip. Pair this transparent mountain gem with rich seafood like caramelized black cod or fresh dungeness crab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCritical Acclaim:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\" alt=\"Decanter Magazine Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/decanter_logo_240x240.png?v=1769834034\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 Points, Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“This is mostly declassified estate fruit, with a small addition of Vida Bella; it’s all clone 4 or Wente Clone, supplemented with a small amount of 95 and 96 from Vida Bella. Pretty aromatics of smoky lemon peel and zesty lemon peel. Taut and saline through the finish, it’s a shining example of Santa Cruz Chardonnay.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Thomas_Fogarty_estate.webp?v=1782715847\" alt=\"Thomas Fogarty Wine Estate\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-1e10e22f-7fff-0ef0-19a1-f26ec6522cf2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46597604933686,"sku":"SOMM2606-TFO23CHA-750","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023ThomasFogarty_Chardonnay_SantaCruzMountains_717b1614-415b-48f4-9f1a-07018090b665.png?v=1781638466"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/collections\/Ridge_Vineyards_a04d3742-f1e2-4090-8d4f-eba8fbd2b31a.jpg?v=1789365468","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/collections\/santa-cruz-wine-collection.oembed","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}