Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The more powerful 2008 Zinfandel East Bench boasts a dark plum/ruby color in addition to a big, sweet bouquet of briery fruit, earth, and pepper. Softer and fleshier than the 2007, it is meant for near-term consumption - 2-3 years.  Drink 2010-2013."  Feb 2010

Winery:  "Blackberry/pepper/vanilla nose. Big, dark zinfandel with flavors of briary fruit, minerals, cocoa. Well-incorporated tannins, ample acidity, long finish.  The 2008 East Bench is quintessential Dry Creek Valley, exhibiting the red fruit, pepper spice, and mineral flavors that have made the region famous. Enjoyable now, the wine will develop fully over the next five to seven years.  One of our few single-varietal vineyards, East Bench sits atop the ridge that separates Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Its red clay/loam soils are ideal for growing Zinfandel. In 2008, set was complete by late May; in July, after veraison, we dropped twenty percent of the crop to ensure optimum flavor and intensity. The grapes were hand-harvested between August 26 and September 2, and fermented on their native yeasts. Juice was pumped over the skins twice daily for nine days to achieve balanced tannin, color, and fruit. After natural malolactic, the parcels were combined and racked to air-dried American oak barrels to age for twelve months."

Wired For Wine:  Dive into this deliciously juicy Ridge East Bench Zinfandel with us, winelovers, and glide through the deep, dark, juicy fruit, earth, peppery spice, and smooth tannins.  You won't want to come up for air...  The variety of luscious nuances of this Ridge Zinfandel allow it to pair with many different foods from barbecued chicken and pork to steak, duck, and a some great takeout options.  Pour your first glass of deep purplish red and put out some tapas to share; we suggest grilled spicy sausage coins and a rich, strong cheese of your choice.  Moving on to the entree, we love the pepper of the East Bench opposite a sloppy pulled pork sandwich on a toasted brioche roll.  Baked, hearty pasta dishes with lots of mushrooms and cheese go beautifully with the earthy, amply acidic side of this Zinfandel.  Slightly charred grilled burgers are a natural with the velvety tannins of  this Ridge.  Caramelize some onions, and they will bring out the wine's sweet side.  If you're not in the mood to cook, this Ridge Zinfandel is perfect with spicy or sweet-and-sour Asian dishes, Mexican food and pizza.  How about some General Tso's chicken, or a gooey pizza with bell peppers, ground sausage and onions?  Berries are terrific with the briary fruit of the East Bench Zinfandel, so pour another generous glass and savor it with a sweet cornmeal biscuit topped with warm ricotta and a thick compote of your favorite dark berries.  Looks like it's going to be a very happy new year indeed...

Size:        750ml
Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
Alcohol:  14.9%
Ageing:   12 months in 100% air-dried American oak (25% new, 50% 1-3 and 25% 1-4 yrs old)
Region:   Dry Creek Bench separating Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California