Wine By Nine

Red Wine by Ridge from Sonoma County, California. 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane, 5% Grenache Three Valleys is the proprietary name for the only Ridge wine blended from multiple vineyard sites. They select softer, more accessible lots from their single vineyards and, taking the role of winemaker literally, create a character they find most appealing. Younger vines from Lytton Estate provided most of the fruit; older vines on five small Alexander Valley vineyards and one Russian River vineyard make up the rest. The grapes fermented on their own yeasts in small-capacity tanks. Pressed, on average, by the seventh day, they completed a natural malolactic fermentation. The wine was then racked to american oak barrels, whose staves had been air (not kiln) dried for twenty-four months. Ridge blind-tasted all the lots in spring, creating this elegant blend. Their sixth vintage of Three Valleys contains the highest percentage of Zinfandel to date. Sensuous structure and rich fruit give the wine immediate appeal; it will be most enjoyable over the next five years.

Red Wine by Ridge from Sonoma County, California. Three Valleys is the Ridge proprietary name for its only wine blended from multiple vineyard sites. To make it, we select softer, more accessible lots from our single vineyards, combining them to create the character we think will be most appealing. Younger vines on the Lytton Springs Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley provided roughly half the fruit; a third came from Geyserville, Mazzoni, and Stone Ranch Vineyards in Alexander Valley; the balance is from Pagani Ranch in the cool Sonoma Valley. The wines fermented on their natural yeasts, were pressed, on average, after eight days, and finished a natural (uninoculated) malolactic within four weeks. Enjoyable now, this spicy, beautifully-defined zinfandel blend will develop fully over the next four or five years. 68% zinfandel, 11% carignane, 10% syrah, 7% petite sirah, 4% grenache

Red Wine by Cline from Sonoma County, California. Carignane holds the distinction of being one of the most widely planted red grapes in France. It is also grown abundantly in Italy, Spain, Algeria and Israel and was once the most planted varietal in the new world. It has traditionally been used as a blending grape because of its favorable yields, excellent acidity and big tannins. Cline Cellars is one of a few wineries to vinify this varietal. Dark ruby in color, the 2006 Ancient Vines Carignane offers aromas of plum, chocolate and clove. The old vine elicits a taste of typical Oakley terroir, a dusty, dark cherry fruit and a nice bright acidity. It's a perfect match for grilled meats, pasta dishes, even pizza with goat cheese.