Each week, I like to spotlight a wine that has truly stood out—whether for its unique character, the story behind its creation, or simply the pure joy it brings. This week’s pick – the 2021 Ridge Vineyards Syrah Grenache Mataro is no exception.
I’m excited to share this wine—not just because it’s delicious and beautifully structured, but because it represents a relatively new chapter in Ridge’s winemaking legacy. While Ridge has worked with Petite Sirah since the 1970s, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that they began exploring its parent grape, Syrah, at their Lytton West Vineyard in Sonoma County. This wine is a testament to Ridge’s dedication to crafting exceptional Rhône-style blends.
Ridge Vineyards
Ridge Vineyards is a legendary California winery with two prominent estates: Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Lytton Springs in Sonoma County. Best known for its world-class “Monte Bello” Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon blend, single-vineyard Zinfandels, and estate Chardonnay, Ridge has a history that dates back to 1960, when three engineers from the Stanford Research Institute purchased the property. The winery’s first commercial vintage followed in 1962
Great wines have always been determined by their site – by nature, not by man – Paul Draper
Ridge rose to international fame when its Monte Bello took fifth place at the iconic “Judgment of Paris” tasting in 1976, competing against top French and Californian wines. Thirty years later, the 1971 Monte Bello was retasted and unanimously took first place, solidifying Ridge’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and longevity.
Today, Ridge is a leader in sustainability and climate action. As the largest grower of organic grapes in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, with nearly 380 acres of certified organic vines, they uphold a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming. Ridge is also a proud member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), dedicated to decarbonizing the global wine industry.
The Rhône Connection: Understanding GSM Blends
Rhône-style blends, often referred to as GSM blends, are inspired by the iconic Côtes du Rhône wines of France. While the region allows up to 19 different grape varieties, three stand out as the backbone of these blends:
- Grenache – Lush and fruit-forward, bringing bright red berry flavors.
- Syrah – Deep and brooding, with bold black fruit, spice, and pepper.
- Mourvèdre (Mataro) – Earthy and structured, adding depth and complexity.
What makes this blend so compelling is the way each grape contributes its own personality—Grenache’s exuberance, Syrah’s intensity, and Mourvèdre’s depth—creating a wine that is both harmonious and intriguing.
2021 Ridge Syrah Grenache Mataro
Unlike many Rhône-inspired blends where Grenache takes the lead, this wine is Syrah-dominant, composed of 74% Syrah, 17% Grenache, and 9% Mataro. Sourced from Ridge’s Lytton Estate Vineyard, the grapes are organically grown and hand-harvested—a hallmark of Ridge’s meticulous approach.
Tasting Note:
Medium violet color with enticing blackberry, fresh cracked black peper, black cherry, dried sage, smoke and floral aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with elevated refreshing acidity and velvety tannins with ripe fresh blackberry, black cherry, red plum, black currant, black pepper and subtle spice flavors with an appealing graphite minerality. Long finish Raised in 100% air-dried American oak barrels (16% new, 84% neutral) for 16 months. 13.9% abv.|SRP – $44|55 barrels produced – 92pts
Final Thoughts
The 2021 Ridge Syrah Grenache Mataro is a stunning addition to Ridge’s lineup, seamlessly blending power, elegance, and a sense of place. Whether you’re a longtime Ridge fan or just discovering their Rhône-style wines, this bottle is well worth seeking out. With its balance of vibrant fruit, spice, and structure, it’s a wine that will shine on the dinner table today (I recommend decanting for at least an hour) and evolve beautifully for at least the next 10 years.
You might also enjoy: