Maybe it's because we're from California, but we count Zinfandel among our favorite wine varietals. And, when it comes to Zin, a Ridge Zinfandel is always a safe bet. Some are critical that it’s hard to remember one single vineyard Ridge Zinfandel from the other – they all have the same plain-Jane label – but that really shouldn’t matter. They’re all exceptional.

Here are a few examples:

2006 Ridge Carmichael Zinfandel

We shared this outstanding wine with my parents when we enjoyed a gondola ride on the Coronado Cays. It was distinctively Ridge - jammy and smooth with just a hint of pepper on the finish. See our smiles?

Enjoying a Ridge on our Gondola Ride in the Coronado Cays2009 Ridge Ponzo Zinfandel

Sally and I recently spent three awesome days touring Napa (see that post). After Day 1, we unwound at the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ and ordered a 2009 Ridge Ponzo Zinfandel to go with it. Despite all of the amazing wine we’d tasted that day, the Ponzo was at the top of our list. It was oh so smooth with dark cherry flavors, a little jamminess, and some lusciously soft tannins on the finish. Simply outstanding - see my smile?

Enjoying at Ridge at the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar and Smokin' BBQ

2007 Ridge Old School Zinfandel

Last Saturday, we enjoyed a nice romantic dinner at our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant, Antica Trattoria. We brought a bottle of 2007 Ridge Old School Zinfandel to go with our meal. It smelled like figs on the nose, was jammy like a Ridge should be, had hints of raspberry and fig on the front palate, was silky smooth on the mid palate with a luscious mouth feel and a little pepper on the finish. Wow – this wine was outstanding - see my smile?

Enjoying a Ridge at Antica Trattoria in La Mesa, CA