PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Geyserville is one of California’s most important wines, a Zinfandel-based field blend that Ridge Vineyards has been making since 1966, from vines in Alexander Valley that date back to the 19th century, some more than 125 years old, with 60% at least 50 years old. These ancient vines produce tiny yields of concentrated fruit, and they’re planted as a true “field blend”: Zinfandel with Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Mataro (Mourvèdre), which grow and are harvested together. Winemaker John Olney believes the Carignane distinguishes the wine, adding freshness and acidity to the Zinfandel’s richness.
The 2022 is 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah, and 3% Mataro, organically grown, with a full-crush fermentation using a 100% floating cap, then aged 16 months in American oak (about 20 to 28% new, per different sources). It’s 14.5% ABV, with total acidity of 6.84 g/L and a pH of 3.55. Low rainfall limited yields in 2022, and a warm summer ripened the grapes evenly, with a record-breaking Labor Day heatwave that threatened to overripen the Zinfandel.
The critics were enthusiastic. Zinfandel Chronicles scored it 97: “Breathtaking nose of red and black fruits, licorice and pepper. The best Geyserville in recent memory.” Decanter, James Suckling, Wine Advocate, Vinous, and Wine Spectator each scored it 94. The Wine Advocate: “The 2022 Geyserville... has kaleidoscopic aromas of boysenberry jam, grilled beef, dried lavender, iron, violet and peach. The medium-bodied palate features generous, floral flavors. It has a silky texture, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a long, spicy finish. The 2022 is notably polished, and its 20% new American oak is very well integrated.” James Suckling: “This zinfandel-dominant field blend is ripe, delicious and lush, with light, spicy oak accents over plump blackberries, blueberries and vanilla bean.” Vinous: “packed to the gills with purple fruit and a ridiculous amount of spice — exotic spice, brown spice, baking spice, you name it.” Wine Spectator: “Deeply structured and bright with acidity, this combines power with grace. Black cherry and dark plum flavors take on licorice, green peppercorn and Asian five-spice accents as this builds toward broad-shouldered tannins.” Decanter described “rich fruit aromas, with pungent spices, ripe red and black plums, Christmas spices and notes of smoked cinnamon,” and Wilfred Wong of Wine.com scored it 93. Ridge’s own description: “Deep purple, coating the glass with every swirl. Sweet spices intermingle with plum and cherry. Wafts of lavender playfully add a deft lightness to this classic Geyserville.”
The 1.5-liter magnum holds two bottles’ worth, about ten glasses, and it’s the right size for a dinner party, a barbecue, or a gift, and large formats age more slowly and gracefully. The scores are for the 750ml bottle; the magnum holds the same wine. It’s drinking well now but built for 15 or more years of cellaring (one critic suggests holding until 2030 and beyond). Decant for an hour, and serve at about 62-65°F with grilled lamb, barbecue, sausages, and aged cheeses.
Ridge Vineyards 2022 Geyserville is produced by Ridge Vineyards (winemaker John Olney) from the Geyserville vineyard in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, a field blend of 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah, and 3% Mataro from vines up to 125+ years old, organically grown. Full crush, 100% floating cap, aged 16 months in American oak (about 20-28% new). 14.5% ABV. Presented in a 1500ml magnum, equal to two standard bottles.
Scores are for the 750ml bottle; the magnum holds the same wine.
Zinfandel Chronicles — 97 Points:
“Breathtaking nose of red and black fruits, licorice and pepper. The best Geyserville in recent memory.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 94 Points (September 2024):
“The 2022 Geyserville is a blend of 67% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah and 3% Mataro. It has kaleidoscopic aromas of boysenberry jam, grilled beef, dried lavender, iron, violet and peach. The medium-bodied palate features generous, floral flavors. It has a silky texture, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a long, spicy finish. The 2022 is notably polished, and its 20% new American oak is very well integrated.”
James Suckling — 94 Points:
“This zinfandel-dominant field blend is ripe, delicious and lush, with light, spicy oak accents over plump blackberries, blueberries and vanilla bean.”
Vinous — 94 Points (October 2024):
“Packed to the gills with purple fruit and a ridiculous amount of spice — exotic spice, brown spice, baking spice, you name it.”
Wine Spectator — 94 Points:
“Deeply structured and bright with acidity, this combines power with grace. Black cherry and dark plum flavors take on licorice, green peppercorn and Asian five-spice accents as this builds toward broad-shouldered tannins.”
Decanter — 94 Points:
“Ridge has been making the Geyserville since 1966, a true Zinfandel icon with a readiness to drink now and classic Ridge ageability... Rich fruit aromas, with pungent spices, ripe red and black plums, Christmas spices and notes of smoked cinnamon.”
Wilfred Wong, Wine.com — 93 Points · Wine Review Online — 94 Points
Ridge Vineyards (winemaker’s notes):
“What wonderful concentration and intensity. The deep purple wine coats the glass with every swirl. Sweet spices intermingle plum and cherry. Wafts of lavender playfully add a deft lightness to this classic Geyserville.”
Nose
Deep ruby-purple. Boysenberry jam, black plum, blackberry, and black cherry, with dried lavender, violet, sarsaparilla, baking spice, smoked cinnamon, and a hint of grilled beef.
Palate
Medium- to full-bodied and silky, with generous, floral flavors, ripe plum and cherry, licorice, five spice, and vibrant acidity.
Finish
Long, spicy, and savory, with black pepper, dried herbs, and chalky tannin.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California |
| Blend | 67% Zinfandel · 20% Carignane · 10% Petite Sirah · 3% Mataro |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Producer | Ridge Vineyards — winemaker John Olney |
| Vineyard | Geyserville — old vines up to 125+ years; organically grown |
| Aging | 16 months in American oak (about 20–28% new) |
| ABV | 14.5% |
| Critics | Zinfandel Chronicles 97 · Decanter 94 · Suckling 94 · Wine Advocate 94 · Vinous 94 · Wine Spectator 94 · Wilfred Wong 93 |
| Cellaring | Drinking well now; 15+ years |
| Style / Identity | A silky, spicy, floral old-vine California field blend, a Zinfandel icon |
| Aromas & Flavors | Boysenberry, black plum, lavender, five spice, licorice, pepper |
| Bottle Size | 1500ml (Magnum) |
Decant for an hour; serve at about 62-65°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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