Paul's Pick: 2009 Ridge Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel

I have been a Ridge Winery fan for as long as I can remember. Their Montebello Cab has always been considered one of the true California pedigrees in the super-premium Cabernet category, and for good reason. But it is their stunning array of Zinfandels that always has kept me loyal to this winery, to the point that at one time I subscribed to their ATP (advanced tasting program) Club and accumulated over 200 bottles of various Ridge wines! Ridge has always maintained a signature style and a level of consistency that is admirable. I recently tasted through some new releases and one particular Zinfandel grabbed my attention (although I liked all the wine tasted). The 2009 Ridge Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel is a stunner! Bob Ponzo’s vineyards are in the Russian River Valley on deep gravely loam soils four and a half miles south of Lytton Springs. The Russian River Valley's cooler microclimate ripens this fruit shortly after Lytton Springs and Geyserville. Small amounts of Ptite Srah are interplanted with zinfandel in the oldest block. The 2009 Ponzo Zinfandel is reminiscent of Zins from times past. It is not an over-extracted, high-octane knock you over the head Zin, but instead, has an elegance infused with bright red fruits, tart plum, white pepper, dried herbs, and crushed stone. It’s the perfect wine for pizza or barbecue, or just sipping on its own. $27.99

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