2009 Ridge Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyard

I have to admit, I’m not a big Zinfandel drinker. Many carry a jammy cooked quality along with big alcohol, rough stuff that’s not exactly to my taste. Then there is Ridge, a producer out of California that specializes in single vineyard wines, that just seems to always get it right.

Tonight’s 2009 Ponzo Zinfandel (98% zin, 2% petite sirah) is a perfect example. Lovely garnet hue with nice clarity in the glass. Nose of black cherry with a hint of vanilla spice suggests American oak, but in a lovely restrained way. Medium body with nice acidity to balance the wood tannin and flavors of dark cherry, plum and gravel. This is a balanced wine, with ripe, not jammy fruit, and a round finish that makes your mouth water. At 14.8% alcohol, it’s a big wine, but doesn’t taste hot, another plus.

And for dinner, I stuck with a simple cheeseburger and broccoli slaw. Nothing fancy, just tasty food in my belly to enjoy with this lovely wine.