Brilliance in the Santa Cruz Mountains (Jul 2016)

Ridge’s 2014 Zinfandel East Bench is a standout, especially considering its price. Brisk and wonderfully perfumed, the 2014 possesses striking aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. This is one of the more silky, refined Zinfandels readers will come across. I can’t recommend it highly enough. At this stage, the East Bench has almost Pinot-like finesse. The East Bench is a great choice for by the case purchases, as one or two bottles won’t nearly be enough. This is a rare 100% Zinfandel from Ridge, as the other Zinfandels in the range are field blends.