2020 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel USA

GW says: The East Bench vineyard sits on iron-rich clay loam soils, with ancient river rock. The vines, planted in 2000/2001 using cuttings from four pre-Prohibition era vineyards. I tasted this at a trade tasting in Feb 2024 and loved it. Big Bold and a statement piece. Lots of forest floor fruits, specially boysenberry. With grippy tannins, this is a fine example of a west coast Zinfandel.

Grapes: 100% Zinfandel

Appearance: Ruby Red

Aroma: Ripe black cherry, fig and vanilla on the nose. With touches of mint. Could almost be a fancy pudding in a top restaurant in a capital city.

Palate: The medium-full palate is layered with flavours of plums, wild raspberries, savoury herbs and black olives, with just enough tannin to add a pleasing grip.