This unusual northern California blend offers cherry aromas with hints of anise, vanilla and assorted
baking spices. Plum and cherry flavors are joined by notes of cedar and tobacco. This cuvée has intense
cranberry and cherry aromas followed by deeper red fruit aromas of dark cherry, blueberry and a hint of
pomegranate.
Cranberry, cherry, vanilla and pomegranate.
In 1959, Evelyn and Leo Trentadue decided to flee the urban sprawl that threatened their apricot and cherry
orchards in what is now California’s Silicon Valley. To preserve their agricultural way of life, they headed
north and bought 208 acres in Sonoma County’s then remote Alexander Valley, where they planted some of
the first new vineyards since the days of prohibition. Located in California’s Sonoma County, the Alexander
Valley AVA unfolds from the outskirts wine country enclave of Healdsburg. The valley, running south to
north, is 25 miles long and ranges in width from two to seven miles. Encompassing nearly 80,000 acres, of
which 17,000 are currently under vine, it is Sonoma County’s largest and most widely planted region. The
appellation, noted for its rocky, alluvial soils and slightly warmer temperatures, was granted AVA status in
1984.
While this gregarious and blousy blend can be enjoyed by itself, or offer a low-key backdrop to fullflavored
grilled meats and game, its highest calling is with lighter proteins like pork, veal and poultry. The
wine’s roundness, restrained tannins and moderate alcohol levels also allow it to seamlessly embrace spicier
preparations, while it is also a natural with many not-too-sweet, fruit-based sauces. Consider it as an
accompaniment to lightly aged soft and semi-hard cheeses, as well as smoked and cured meats.
The Trentadues have had a long friendship with Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards, who in 1974, bought
their Santa Clara mountaintop winery called Montebello. But their focus in Sonoma has paid off as some
of the finest grapes from the estate have formed the foundation of Ridge Vineyards’ iconic “Geyserville”
bottling every vintage since 1967!
