1984 Ridge Zinfandel Geyserville Trentadue

BY NEAL MARTIN | SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The 1984 Zinfandel Geyserville Trentadue is one of Ridge’s more obscure single-vineyard bottlings. This cuvée is a blend of 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petit Sirah that came from a vineyard established by Evelyn and Leo Trentadue. The couple became neighbors to Paul Draper in 1952 in Santa Clara after acquiring an abandoned parcel of vines at the end of Montebello Road. Draper bought fruit from the Trentadues in 1967, and seven years later, he bought their mountaintop winery. The vines are the oldest within the Geyserville, some dating back to 1886. Around 30 barrels were produced.

The 1984 has a heart-warming bouquet that unfolds without hesitation: mainly red fruit and iodine, with hints of espresso coming through, followed by pressed violets, dark berry fruit, leather and sage. There is just a trace of volatile acidity that gives an aromatic lift. The palate is medium-bodied, while that initial funkiness merely lends it personality. It’s a Zinfandel that doesn’t behave, an unruly child you still love. The Petit Sirah component lends structure to the finish so that it exerts just the right amount of grip. Unlike the 1984 Monte Bello I tasted earlier this year, I doubt this Zinfandel will improve with further bottle age, so crack open a bottle if you still own one because it continues to drink well after four decades. 91/Drink 2024-2034.

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