At a glance

Producer

Ridge Vineyards

Region

Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$80-$110 USD

Tasting profile

Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, graphite, bay leaf, subtle oak spice; palate shows dark cherry, plum, savory herbs, mineral undertone, integrated new oak, youthful tannins.

Evolution: Primary fruit will evolve into more secondary notes: tobacco, leather, earth, dried violets, graphite, forest floor. Tannins will soften, structure will knit seamlessly.

At peak: At peak, expect remarkable complexity—dark fruit, cigar box, graphite, resolved tannins, harmonious balance of freshness and aged character.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus, supporting freshness and longevity

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, ripe but prominent

Alcohol

Moderate (generally 13.5% ABV, typical for this bottling)

Aging potential

High; structured to evolve gracefully for 15–20 years under proper conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2038

Optimal window

2025 to 2040

Current status

Approachable now with aeration but structured for long-term aging

Current condition

Youthful, energetic, primary fruit and tannic backbone, benefits from further cellaring

Ridge Estate Cabernet from vine age, terroir, and restrained winemaking ages exceptionally well, showing the best tertiary character between 10-18 years from vintage. 2019 vintage is especially structured and balanced, indicating longevity.

Food pairing

Dry-aged ribeye, roast lamb, venison, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar or blue cheese, or grilled vegetables with earthy herbs.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, prominent tannins that can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Vineyards farmed with organic practices (no synthetic herbicides/pesticides/fungicides); extensive cover cropping; owl and raptor boxes for natural pest control; solar powering over 60% of electricity; water recycling system; recycled lightweight glass; on-site composting; biodiversity corridors on estate; focus on minimal intervention winemaking.

Ridge Vineyards has a decades-long leadership in sustainable farming, with estate vineyards farmed organically and with soil and water conservation at the forefront. Solar panels provide most energy use, and wine is made and bottled on-site to minimize transport impact. While the wines are not always certified organic or biodynamic, all practices exceed certification guidelines for California sustainability. The commitment to biodiversity, packaging reduction, water/energy efficiency, and carbon-conscious logistics results in an industry-leading sustainability profile. Overall, Ridge sets a near-benchmark example of sustainable winegrowing in premium US wine.