2022 Ridge Mancini Ranch

The 2022 Mancini Ranch is 61% Carignane, 32% Zinfandel and 7% Alicante Bouschet from the Russian River Valley. It opens with heaps of prominent sappy fruit, but the oak is not exactly falling in line today, instead presenting as if it’s totally separate from the wine. A little angular on the finish, this isn’t the most well-adjusted offering in the lineup of Ridge 2022s, albeit exuberant.

From the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, the 2022 Mancini Ranch checks in as a Carignan-dominated blend that includes 32% Zinfandel and 7% Alicante Bouschet. It has an almost Châteauneuf du Pape-like bouquet of ripe red and black cherries, peppery garrigue, and leather, and it shows plenty of Zinfandel spice and sandalwood notes with time in the glass. Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished, yet present tannins, this upfront, total charmer will drink brilliantly through 2032.

Full bottle 1,214g. 61% Carignane, 32% Zinfandel, 7% Alicante Bouschet. From the wonderfully detailed label: 'Bottled December 2023. The Russian River Valley is known for its cooler micro-climate, which provides this one-hundred-year-old vineyard with the consistency of quality and distinct character of an exceptional terroir. Planted to Carignane and Zinfandel, the vineyard has been meticulously farmed by Max Reichwage since 2015 ... Ingredients: hand-harvested grapes; indigenous yeast, naturally occurring malolactic bacteria; oak from barrel-ageing; minimum effective SO 2 .' Medium, verging on deep purple in colour. Lactic – like sweet cherry yogurt with a mineral, metallic edge. Rich and fruity on the palate with high, fresh acidity that reaches into every inch of one’s mouth. Elevated, grippy tannin. Incredibly firm structure – really shows the potential of Carignane when padded out with a bit of Zin! (SCJ)