This white wine was produced by Ridge Vineyards by blending small amounts of Picpoul and Roussanne from California's Central Coast together with the variety Grenache Blanc. The grapes were harvested from three vineyards, Fossil Creek, Adelaida and Halter Ranch vineyards.
In 2024, rainfall totaled 35 inches, above average, and a subsequent cool, late spring caused frost damage in Fossil Creek. Starting in June, intense heat set in, significantly accelerating the ripening process. Harvesting took place from the 11th to the 18th of September.
Whole grape clusters were placed directly into the press, and both primary fermentation and malolactic fermentation proceeded naturally without the addition of yeast. Aging took place in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel, neutral oak barrels, concrete tanks, and amphorae. The oak barrel composition consisted of 33% American oak barrels (mostly aged 2-3 years), 4% in new French barrels, and 1% in new Acacia barrels. Thanks to this combination, the oak aroma is subtly present in the background.
On the nose, subtle floral notes unfold, accompanied by aromas of ripe orchard fruit and a hint of nuts. On the palate, the wine feels round and smooth, yet a lively acidity brings the whole profile into perfect harmony, leaving a faint mineral grip on the finish. It is ready to drink now and does not require decanting. It will be at its best through 2032.
James Suckling (94)
Aromas of honeysuckle, nuts, orchard fruit, lemon confit and fresh herbs, with a slight saline edge. The palate is mid-weighted and textural, with bright acidity and a strong core of fruit. It will only get better with time in the bottle. Made from 85% grenache blanc, 12% picpoul and 3% roussanne. Drink or hold.
Jancis Robinson (17)
Contains 12% Picpoul and 3% Roussanne.Floral nose. Round and fresh, with a lovely, smooth texture. More lift than the 2023, more sophisticated.
Vinous (92)
The 2024 Grenache Blanc Paso Robles also includes dollops of Picpoul and Roussanne. A flicker of gunsmoke reduction leads the charge, opening into a tropical-inflected array of rich, oily fruit. Bright and phenolic, the 2024 is a nicely textured white with a palpable sense of mineral grip. Golden mango, pear, toasted hazelnut, orange oil and chalk build with air.
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
With 12% Picpoul and 3% Roussanne, the 2024 Grenache Blanc spends eight months in five-year-old barrels, able to retain crisp acidity on the lengthy, textured palate, the grapes sourced from such great local sites as Adelaida, Fossil Creek, and Halter Ranch. Apricot shines bright amidst a floral jasmine character that's impressively inviting, balanced, and enduringly fresh. Drink now through 2030.
Decanter (93)
Aged in stainless steel, neutral oak, concrete, and amphora, this results in a remarkably bright, saline-driven example. This Paso Robles bottling comes from three different vineyards. Taut freshness, the limestone soils definitely play a role, says John Olney. Savoury herbals and plenty of mineral lift. Fresh citrus and smoky, flinty stone notes persist throughout the finish in this Rhône white, focused on the purity of fruit.
Owen Bargreen (93)
Mostly sourced from the Fossil Creek and Adelaida Vineyards, this 2024 Grenache Blanc has 12% Picpoul, and 3% Roussanne blended in. Stored in stainless steel, this offers kiwi and cashew nut with green papaya notes on the palate, alongside salty soil accents. It is rich and viscous with serious verve, as this beauty is best enjoyed now and over the next few years.
