Since becoming members at Ridge Vineyards, one event that Kara and I really like taking advantage of is First Friday at Monte Bello. On the first Friday of each month, they present a members-only tasting that usually highlights a new release.
The Friday before last, Kara and I headed up the mountain in Cupertino to taste a 3 vintage vertical of Carmichael Ranch Zinfandel. Let’s take a look at how this Alexander Valley fruit has changed over the last couple of years…
The Ridge 2007 Carmichael Zinfandel had a jammy nose of strawberries and blackberries. On the palate, this Zin had loads of bright, candied fruits of blackberry and cranberries. There was a nice funkiness to this wine as well.
The Ridge 2009 Carmichael Ranch Zinfandel had a pretty nose of blackberries, blueberries, and tomatoes. The palate was mad earthy, and mad balanced.
Newly released, the Ridge 2010 Carmichael Ranch Zinfandel was my favorite. The nose of mushrooms, plums, and blueberries was hella complex. The palate had a bright acidity, powdery tannis, and flavors of plums and Earth. This was a real treat.
And that was First Friday.
Don’t worry…
It won’t be the last.
Stay Rad,
Jeff
Tags: 2007, 2009, 2010, Alexander Valley, Carmichael Ranch, First Friday, Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards, zinfandel
Stay Rad 
February 25, 2013 at 11:28 am |
[…] Anyhow, I’ve waxed on the 2010 Monte Bello Chardonnay before, and needless to say (or perhaps repeat?), I am, to borrow a funky ol’ Bay Area colloquialism, hella stoked on this wine. (Cheers to my man JeffIsRad over at the most excellent StayRadWineBlog!) […]