Ridge Zinfandel, York Creek, 2009

Grapes: 93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah. Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District York Creek Vineyard. 09 Zinfandel, York Creek, bottled 1/11. After the very small harvest of 2008, the vines at York Creek set a more normal crop. Fully ripe, the grapes yielded a wine with layers of rich fruit. Vineyard parcels were hand-picked, and fermented separately on their natural yeasts. In spring, we selected Track, Kite Hill, and Mill for the final wine. As it aged in air-dried American oak barrels, we determined that including petite sirah (from Devil's Hill at York Creek) would add structure and definition. Appealing and full-bodied, this opulent zinfandel will be at its best over the next six to seven years. JO (8/10). Low yields and natural fermentations have produced fifty vintages of exceptional Ridge wines. The distinctive character of the finest wines has always been determined by their site - by nature, not by man. PD (4/10). 14.7% alcohol by volume. Product of USA.