Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Ridge Three Valleys 2023
Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A classic Sonoma field blend composed of 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Crafted in Ridge’s signature transparent style, this vintage leans toward a riper and more fruit-driven expression than many of the winery’s other bottlings.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry preserves, ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry compote dominate, supported by touches of black pepper and baking spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a broad, generous texture. The fruit lingers across the palate with a warm, persistent finish.

Food Pairings
A natural companion for barbecue, smoked meats, burgers, and hearty pizza.

Verdict
While impeccably made, this is one of the few Ridge wines that didn’t quite resonate with my palate. It leans a bit too jammy and overripe for my preference, though lovers of rich, fruit-forward California reds will likely find plenty to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Ridge has long been one of California’s pioneers of ingredient transparency, listing the exact grape composition directly on the label.

🍷 Personal Pick
I truly love Ridge wines, but I’d still reach for Lytton Springs or Geyserville before this bottling. If bold, juicy Zinfandel blends are your style, however, this one could easily become a favorite. — 19 days ago

Thomas Epps

9.3

Still a little tight. Very good, but could use more years in cellar. — 6 months ago

with Jeannie

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Pop n pour. Given that it’s 70% Mourvèdre, the color is surprisingly light. (There’s 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah too.) Medium color saturation. Inviting nose of a melange of ripe berries and a smoky embers note. Crushed rock behind that. Soft and intensely flavored in the mouth, with the berries less prominent, jousting with dark earthy and pleasantly vegetal notes. Soft but balanced acids and tannins almost silky. Really nice. Terrific value at $25 from WTSO. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Krupp Brothers – Cabernet Sauvignon “Veraison” 2009
Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
From the famed Stagecoach Vineyard, this 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon shows why Krupp Brothers has earned a reputation for power and finesse. At nearly 15 years, it’s still on the ascent, with structure and depth that promise more evolution ahead.

Aromas & Flavors:
Layers of dark cassis, blackberry compote, and black cherry mingle with graphite, cedar, and espresso. Hints of dried violets and cocoa powder emerge with air, weaving a bouquet that is both bold and nuanced.

Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and dense, yet polished. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity still hold the core tightly, making it feel youthful despite its age. The finish is long, savory, and mineral-driven, echoing dark fruit and spice.

Food Pairings:
A classic match for dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, or wild mushroom risotto.

Verdict:
An outstanding wine, multi-layered, complex, and still climbing toward its peak. A bottle to savor now with decanting, but also a treasure for collectors willing to wait.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
This vintage remains one of the standout expressions of Stagecoach Vineyard fruit, alongside 2010, it is a benchmark release. Collectors take note: the 2009 is still gaining complexity and shows remarkable staying power. — 8 months ago

Mark

9.4

Dark dark ruby color, very intense. Great yeast nose with crisp berry fruit flavor. The tannins are well balanced and enjoyable. Paired it with a marinated ribeye and baked potato. — a year ago

with Jeron and Jessica

Thomas Epps

9.4

Very good, nice balance, good finish, nice oak and vanilla, had a little trouble with spicy pepperoni on pizza. But, not really a fault of the wine. — 2 months ago

with Jeannie

Kelly Perkins

9.2

Good stuff — 5 months ago

Joe Flo

9.7

What can I say it’s a Carter — 6 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

14 year old #mataro aged at a famous steakhouse. Substantial acidity up front, blackberry pie, warming spices and just an undertone of fig fruit from the time in bottle. Tannins must have been fierce upon release but now they are firm and well-integrated. Delicious. — 7 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

Spivey, brambley, red fruits, definitely ripe (15.2% ABV), but nicely balanced and with a long, lingering finish, very enjoyable Contra Costa County field blend!! — 8 months ago

with Jim

Kelley Raymond

8.9

A bit dry and lacking in the usual layers of flavor. Thinner than others — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, cigar box and cedar scents. On the palate flavors of black cherry, plum and currants with cacao, floral and oaky notes. Fine dusty tannins, long finish ending with fruit, floral, oak and earthy mineral character. Very Nice! Good now. — a year ago

Bob Rodgers

9.5

A beautiful wine by a brilliant producer. Deep purple color. Bacon fat hints with earthy and truffles on the nose that evolve into dark fruits. Soft tannins on the mouthfeel linger to a grapey finish. Excellent — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2023 vintage. The least imposing Gap Crown’s Vineyard Pinot I’ve ever had. If you like your California Pinots on the lighter side, this is for you. 3.11.26. — 3 months ago

Marc Fagelman

9.1

Was well aged — 6 months ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

11/2025. A solid can. Good fruit and boldness. — 7 months ago

Richard Portes

9.1

Still looks young, high acidity keeps it fresh. So different from an Hermitage! — 8 months ago

William Brouwer

9.0

Full body. Nice nose. Smooth. Enjoying a glass at the Olde Brick House in Rochester, MN. — 9 months ago

Adrienne Rapacki

9.1

Rating for the rest at Linebaugh’s — 10 months ago

with Kim, Phil and 1 other

carl thornblade

9.0

A little green in flavor (as in unripe), too acidic, but had some elements of tropical fruit, just not full and ripe. Has potential but not the best. — 2 years ago