Wine Article

HISTORY

Originally a part of the Rancho Sotoyomi land grant, these
hundred acres were purchased in the mid-1800s by Archibald
Carmichael. Ridge began farming the western half in 2000, and
this is our second release from the ranch. The wine comes from
century-old zinfandel vines, interplanted with small amounts of
carignane and petite sirah.

VINEYARD

First Ridge Carmichael: 2004
Location: Western Alexander Valley, south of Geyserville.
Soils: Well drained and gravelly to the west; loamy clay at the east.
Varietals: Zinfandel Block 6, planted 1987, 5.1 acres
Zinfandel Block 7, planted 1984, 3.8 acres
Training: Head trained (no trellis), spur pruned.
Yield: 1 - 2.5 tons per acre

GROWING SEASON

Rainfall: Above average, over 60 inches
Bloom: Early May
Weather: Cool, wet spring and warm dry summer; no intense
heat at harvest.

VINTAGE

Harvest date: 24 September
Grapes: Average brix 24.3°
Fermentation: A short six-day natural fermentation carried out
in small fermentors; early pressed; finished natural secondary
fermentation in three weeks.
Aging: Air-dried american oak: 12% new, 78% one and threeyear-
old, 11% four to six-year-old barrels.
Time in barrel: Fourteen months

2005 ZINFANDEL CARMICHAEL

bottled March 2007, 48 barrels produced
97% zinfandel, 3% petite sirah
bottle cost: $28, invoice will not be sent
www.ridgewine.com 408.867.3233