At a glance

Producer

Ridge Vineyards

Region

Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux Blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$220–$300 USD (release), $250–$350 USD (secondary market)

Tasting profile

Intense blackcurrant, black cherry, graphite, cedar, hints of tobacco and cocoa. Structured, vibrant.

Evolution: Will evolve to develop subtle earth, forest floor, leather, and pronounced mineral complexity after 8-10 years.

At peak: At peak, expected to show seamless integration, plush mouthfeel, expansive tertiary aromas and layered, long finish.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, balancing, medium-plus to high—supports long aging.

Tannins

Firm and polished, high quality, require time to fully integrate.

Alcohol

Typically 13.5–14.5% abv, moderate for the style.

Aging potential

Exceptional—30+ years possible in optimal conditions.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2052

Optimal window

2027 to 2055

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Structured, primary fruit and tannin prominent, potential just beginning.

This classic, mountain-grown Bordeaux blend is renowned for its longevity and slow development. The 2020 vintage’s structure and depth require a decade or more to achieve true harmony between fruit, tannin, and secondary/tertiary flavors, reflecting the estate’s track record for age-worthiness.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, aged ribeye, venison, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes, strong hard cheeses (Comté, aged cheddar).

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The firm and polished tannins require time to integrate, and decanting will help to aerate the wine and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Extensive solar energy at estate, dry farming wherever possible, composting, cover cropping, biodiversity preservation, water reclamation projects, extensive use of recycled/eco-friendly packaging.

Ridge Vineyards is a sustainability leader in California, integrating advanced soil health, organic inputs (though not certified organic), and a significant solar power array that offsets winery energy use. They apply water conservation innovations (drip, dry farming), emphasize biodiversity, and use recyclable packaging. International shipment increases carbon cost, but local consumption or direct-from-producer purchase minimizes. Not certified biodynamic, but adheres to rigorous sustainable standards—placing it near the top of global benchmarks for environmental responsibility.