Ridge Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Geyserville, 2012

Like its counterpart Lytton Springs (see right), the Geyserville field blend is mostly Zinfandel with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Carignan and Mourvèdre to give depth, structure and colour. The oldest vines in the vineyard are 130 years old, and Ridge has been making the wine since 1966. Ripe, super-charged flavours of blackberry and plum are surrounded by savoury depths of smoke, herbs and game.