Sonoma Station Zinfandel Blend (2001)

About this wine

The 2001 Ridge Vineyards Sonoma Station Zinfandel Blend offers a harmonious mix of 84% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, and 8% Carignane, resulting in a wine with vibrant raspberry and blackberry flavors. The Petite Sirah adds spice and deep color, while the Carignane contributes bright acidity and elegance. This blend reflects the traditional 'field blends' found in old Sonoma vineyards, showcasing the region's rich winemaking heritage. The wine's balanced structure and lively fruit make it enjoyable in its youth, capturing the essence of Sonoma County's diverse terroir.

About the grape

Zinfandel, originally from Croatia, became a cornerstone of California's wine industry in the mid-19th century, thriving in regions like Sonoma County. Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, was introduced to California in the late 1800s and is valued for its deep color and tannic structure, often used to add body to blends. Carignane, with roots in Spain and France, was widely planted in California's old-vine vineyards, contributing bright acidity and red fruit flavors. In the 2001 Ridge Vineyards Sonoma Station Zinfandel Blend, these varietals were combined to create a balanced and complex wine, showcasing the unique characteristics each grape brings to the blend.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2001 Ridge Vineyards Sonoma Station Zinfandel is a blend of 84% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, and 8% Carignane, showcasing a traditional field blend approach.
• 🌄 This wine was crafted from grapes grown in three distinct Sonoma County regions: Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valleys, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend.
• 🏞️ Ridge Vineyards, established in 1962, is renowned for its commitment to single-vineyard winemaking and minimal intervention techniques, allowing the terroir to shine through in their wines.
• 🍷 The 2001 vintage of this Zinfandel blend was noted for its rich fruit flavors, with raspberry and blackberry notes typical of old-vine Zinfandel, complemented by the spice and color from Petite Sirah and the bright acidity from Carignane.
• 🌱 Ridge Vineyards' dedication to sustainable and organic farming practices has made them a leader in environmentally conscious winemaking, ensuring the health of their vineyards for future generations.

Palate profile

Producer

Ridge Vineyards, located in the United States, has a rich history dating back to 1885 when Dr. Osea Perrone, a prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, purchased 180 acres on Monte Bello Ridge in California's Santa Cruz Mountains. He terraced the slopes, planted vineyards, and constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. In 1959, four scientists from the Stanford Research Institute—David Bennion, Hewitt Crane, Charles Rosen, and Howard Zeidler—acquired the property, re-bonded the winery in 1962, and began producing wines that emphasized single-vineyard expressions. Ridge Vineyards gained international acclaim when its 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon placed fifth in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that pitted California wines against French classics. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards.