Bit of age and beautiful colour- 20 euro bargain — 2 months ago
Very bright and refreshing with citrus and saline notes. Paired so lovely with Cajun shrimp and French fries. — 8 months ago
Ridge Vineyards – Grenache Blanc blend – 2024
Fossil Creek / Adelaida / Halter Ranch Vineyards – Paso Robles – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A stunning, high-toned white Rhône blend of 47% Grenache Blanc, 12% Picpoul, 3% Roussanne from Ridge that delivers immediate “whoa” factor. Crisp, mineral, and beautifully textured, this release shows Ridge’s mastery beyond Monte Bello, proving they can craft Rhône whites that rival the best of the Rhône Valley itself.
Aromas & Flavors
Pear skin, white peach, citrus blossom, and salted stone. Subtle hints of fennel, honeydew, and crushed seashell align with a whisper of almond from neutral barrel aging.
Mouthfeel
Bright acidity with mountain-stream freshness, balanced by a gentle mid-palate creaminess from whole-cluster pressing and lees contact. Finishes long, clean, and slightly saline.
Food Pairings
Seared scallops, grilled prawns, Provençal chicken, halibut with lemon butter, or Mediterranean mezze.
Verdict
A beautifully balanced, quietly complex white Rhône-style blend that showcases Ridge at its most refreshing and precise. Astonishing quality, especially at this youthful stage.
Did You Know?
Ridge first experimented with Grenache Blanc only in 2018. The results were so impressive that they expanded sourcing to three top west-side Paso vineyards, Fossil Creek, Adelaida, and Halter Ranch, turning this bottling into one of California’s most compelling Rhône-white expressions.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Easily one of the most impressive domestic Grenache Blancs I’ve tasted, its freshness and mineral drive can stand toe-to-toe with elite Rhône whites. — a month ago
Western Reserve Wines. $12 — 7 months ago
Prominent straw, stones minerals white floral notes. Straw color. Firm acidic texture into finish with sour fruit profile — 2 months ago
An abundantly crispy, well-textured citrus scented, and lemony zingy driven, palpable floral notes with hints of ripe Quincy pear. Bone dry, eminent acidity on the palate. Great summer wine that pairs exceptionally with seafood, veggies dishes with creamy sauce, or even raw fish like sashimi and sushi. Never disappoints! — 9 months ago
Tom Casagrande
Medium intensity nose has golden plum, a fresh floral note, and some crushed stone. It’s pretty large-framed in the mouth. The acids are on the lowish side, but it’s got a minerality and a slight bitter note as the finish progresses that enlivens it. Good flavor intensity. The alcohol pooks through a little, but it should be nice with Milanese cutlets. — 2 days ago