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93 pts Jeb DunnuckMade since 2001 from a number of Sonoma County vineyards, the 2023 Three Valleys blends 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% each Mataro and Alicante Bouschet from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley. Floral, it is complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. Though it is one of Ridge’s largest production wines, it is made in the exact same way as all its others, in open top tanks with real oak and native fermentations. It’s meant to represent a vintage more than a location. A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it.

93ptsWine SpectatorGenerous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper, plus a whiff of dill as this builds toward fine-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2034.

71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, 2% Alicante Bouschet
Ridge’s Three Valleys is kind of an anomaly in the Ridge portfolio and the winemarket. The quality of this wine is obvious, the pedigree, the talent, but the blending which is what this wine represents (blending now FOURSonoma Valleys) is something that in the current wine market is seen less. That’s because we have trained the current wine consumer to think that single vineyards are the best. And while it is true they can deliver a significantly distinct expression, it does not necessarily make it better.Just ask Maria Teresa of Bartolo Mascarello!Blending is an art, and in many ways helps guarantee quality of a wine as you take a little from each of the sources to together to achieve something that truly is greater as a whole than the sum of its parts.

The Four (not Three Valleys)
Alexander Valley
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma Valley
Russian River Valley
Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyardswinemakingat its finest. Zinfandel determines the wines varietal character; old-vine carignane contributes bright fruit and acidity; petite sirah spice, depth of color, and firm tannins.

Winemaking
Fermentation:No inoculation; natrual primary and secondary.
Barrels:100% air-dried American oak barrels (19% new, 8% one year old, 50% four years old, and 23% five-plus years old).
Aging:Twelve months in barrel