Acbosg.2189 net.wines utzoo!decvax!harpo!npois!cbosg!bob Tue Apr 6 08:53:15 1982 Ridge Vineyards Ridge is primarily known for the quality of its Zinfandels. They currently offer Zinfandels from about 10 different vineyards located throughout Northern California. However, before rushing off to the local wine store to buy some you should know that some bottles are labeled "Late Harvest" and are extremely sweet dessert type wines. If you like this type of wine, they are supposed to be top quality; but if you are looking for a "normal" dry Zinfandel, avoid them. Ridge also produces 2 Cabernets and a Merlot/Cabernet blend. The York Creek bottlings are generally considered above average and sell in the $12-$15 range (in California). The Monte Bello cabernet is the top of the line and is priced accordingly. The 1976 Monte Bello is rumored to be one of the best cabernets of the decade and is very expensive and rare. Most Ridge cabernets require substantial cellaring before they reach their peak. I read somewhere that Ridge was satred circa 1960 by partners who were (are?) among our brethern at SRI. I don't know if they still are connected with the operation. Tastings are open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (11-2 I think). The winery sits high on the ridge above Cupertino and the view of the South Bay area is magnificent. When I was there (in December), they tasted about 12 different bottles and the people were very nice. You can get directions from them by writing to Ridge Vineyards, 17100 Monte Bello Rd., Cupertino, or (probably) by calling them. Bob Flandrena cbosg!bob ----------------------------------------------------------------- gopher://quux.org/ conversion by John Goerzen of http://communication.ucsd.edu/A-News/ This Usenet Oldnews Archive article may be copied and distributed freely, provided: 1. There is no money collected for the text(s) of the articles. 2. The following notice remains appended to each copy: The Usenet Oldnews Archive: Compilation Copyright (C) 1981, 1996 Bruce Jones, Henry Spencer, David Wiseman.