INTERVIEW AND TASTINGOn March 9 James interviewed John Olney, head winemaker & COO at Ridge Vineyards, along with David Amadia, president, and tasted a range of their newest releases. The wines highlighted the California winery’s continued success at making intense yet balanced wines. "The power [of Ridge Monte Bello] comes from the concentration and not the alcohol or ripeness,” said Amadia. “It is a different type of power."

James said the wines were very drinkable, with the zinfandels showing richness and agility, while the Monte Bellos were some of the longtime best wines produced from the State. They also shared thoughts on the 2018 and 2019 vintages in Napa, with the 2019 being more fruit-forward, reminding John of 1997 which produced friendly, fruity wines.

Ridge is one of the few producers that label the ingredients in each wine, which itself puts this winery among a rare breed.