Appy RIDGE Friday!

Because “THIS iconic California winery changed the industry forever.” per Food & Wine.

And the whole wide world, too. By winning the historic 1976 Judgement of Paris, it elevated American wine onto a pedestal right next to the French, where it belongs.

A first on Wine Spies like no other, certainly. ICONIC is one word. We could throw out many more superlatives, including things like “wonderous” and “unfathomable” at this price you see before you.

Few wineries in the world approach RIDGE’s iconic status. Am I still dreaming?

Must be, besides that MONUMENTAL feature with Lytton Springs, we have this App Exclusive creative Zin blend that’s a quintessential RIDGE micro-release too that is rarely seen in the wild.

Befittingly, this year, as Italian immigrants in the 1900s, the Demostene family is celebrating their 100th vintage of making wine in Sonoma County. The vineyard dates even further back than that, with gnarly 100+ year old vines planted to Zinfandel and Carignane that make up this one-of-a-kind blend that will knock you off your feet with its intensity and shocking balance, only in a way that a RIDGE can deliver.

Even less of this, seize the day!

95 Points – Owen Bargreen “The 2019 Demostene Ranch combines 58% Zinfandel and 42% Carignane which was sourced from old-vine plantings in the Alexander Valley. The nose shows dill and coffee ground notes alongside bramble and dried herbs alongside black cherry notes. The palate is silky smooth and refined with a seamless texture. These two varietals seem to complement each other so well, as this quite literally sings in unison with its pretty core of red and dark fruits alongside salty and savory notes. The combination of bright acidity and weight suggests this will easily cellar for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035.”

93 Points – Wine Spectator “Bright and vibrant, with cherry and dried cranberry flavors accented by green peppercorn and licorice. Ends with zesty tannins. Zinfandel and Carignane. Drink now through 2032.”