Wines Dry Creek Valley Ridge Vineyards - East Bench - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Ridge Vineyards' East Bench 2018 from Dry Creek Valley AVA is a distinctive Californian red, primarily made from Zinfandel. This vintage reflects Ridge’s dedication to minimal intervention winemaking and respect for terroir. The East Bench cuvée is typically sourced from single-site hillside vineyards, where old-vine Zinfandel dominates, occasionally blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah or Carignan, though this bottling tends to emphasise the purity of the Zinfandel grape. The 2018 vintage is marked by an even growing season—warm but not excessively hot—allowing for balanced ripening and structured wines. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and care is taken to use a judicious proportion of American oak for ageing, lending subtle vanilla and spice accents without overwhelming the fruit.

Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County is highly regarded for its Zinfandel, and for good reason. The region’s Mediterranean climate offers warm days and cool nights, which help retain brightness and freshness in the grapes. Soils here are predominantly gravelly loams, offering excellent drainage and encouraging the vines to root deeply, resulting in concentrated fruit flavours and refined tannic structure. Historically, this valley was established as a prime viticultural area in the late 19th century, with Prohibition survivors reviving the tradition and making it an iconic AVA, especially for robust yet elegant reds.

The East Bench Zinfandel’s expressive raspberry and blackberry fruit, backed by lively acidity and velvety tannins, pairs excellently with grilled lamb chops, roast duck, or barbecued pork ribs glazed in sweet-spicy sauces. Classic regional pairings might also include American-style smoked brisket or even hearty vegetarian dishes with roasted aubergine and savoury herbs. For a local touch, try it with a Sonoma goat cheese and fig compote.

To fully appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and supple mouthfeel, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will enhance its bouquet. This Ridge cuvée can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit character or cellared for a few more years to develop further nuance.