Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Ridge Mazzoni Home Ranch (Sonoma County) 2000

Ridge long has been one of my favorite wineries. This Sonoma County wine was part of Ridge's Advanced Tasting Program, which is their program of limited release wines available only by joining their mailing list. The Mazzoni is a blend of 47% zinfandel, 47% carignane, and 6% petite sirah. The color is a deep purple shading to ruby. Strong legs. Hot and spicy nose, with jammy dark fruits. On the palate, the wine is big, brawny, firm, somewhat rustic with flavors of rusty iron and brambly blackberry jam. It was pretty tough when first tasted last year, but is mellowing nicely. Will hold. Grade: B+