2012 Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County

The Perfect Wine for a Weekend Night In:

2012 Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Blend

It's like a warm, comforting hug that keeps you coming back for more.

2012 Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County 
82% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah, 4% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet

$23.00

Red Zinfandel was one of my first wine loves. Oftentimes, it is easy to drink and approachable due to the bold, fruit-forward nature of the grape. Lower-end Zins can often be characterized as "jammy fruit bombs" which, incidentally, is not highly appreciated in the world of wine. They are approachable because they are reminiscent of adult berry pies, blended, strained, and bottled in a fancy bottle and poured into an adult sippy cup. This is not a bad thing. However, I prefer something with a bit more complexity - and this Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County has just that.

The wine was bold and spicy with deep red fruits, lingering smooth tannins (that feeling that "dries out" your mouth) and a level of earthiness that provides just enough ground to the fruit. So think of it as enjoyable as that naturally sweet (instead of cloyingly sweet) berry pie with a touch of baking spices that you could eat a whole pie of because after each bite, your mouth prepares itself for the next one (as opposed to the kind of pie that you take two bites and you have had enough).

And if you don't eat many pies - just think of this wine as a perfect stand-alone companion for a weekend night in. You could pair it with a burger or pizza - but really, this is enjoyable and "big" enough to enjoy fully on its own.