Since its inception Ridge has focussed on single vineyard wines; however, Ridge Three Valleys is made by carefully combining parcels from a number of Sonoma County vineyards. The Ridge team take great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested then crushed and fermented on its native yeast and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs wineries. Unlike their single-vineyard wines, which reflect the distinctive character of each site, Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards and winemaking at its finest. Zinfandel determines the wines varietal character alongside additions of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. After aging for 12 months in barrel, the tannins have softened and brought out the fruit. A nose of toasty oak, strawberry jam, mixed berry pie, black tea and baking spice. Layered black and blue fruit on the palate with milk chocolate, cherry, garrigue and textured tannins on the finish. [#intro]Three Valleys showcases the art & skill of blending across a number of vineyards…[/intro]