JS94, James Suckling

Lots of blackberries and wrought iron with cloves and black peppercorns. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are linear and run the length of the wine. Solid and fine. Focused.

W + S 94, Wine + Spirits

While Draper and Gates have long sustained ancient plantings, they have also used the genetic inheritance from four pre-Prohibition parcels to plant their East Bench vineyard in 2000 and 2001, vines that are proving to be a significant part of Ridge’s arsenal. The 2020 vintage may be the most beautiful East Bench Zinfandel yet, a cool well of fruit surrounded by earthen depths of tannins. Over several days, the wine yields flavors of blueberries, roses and savory herbs, the detail in the tannins suggesting a long life ahead.

TP94, Tasting Panel

A nicely structured, layered, lovely, and long wine from one of the world’s greatest Zinfandel regions. Smooth and deep, with tangy berry flavors joining notes of cinnamon and vanilla.

D94, Decanter

Vividly briary – as though one fell into a patch of raspberry bushes – it’s also very structured and full of cassis flavours, leading one to momentarily wonder if there isn’t some Cabernet in there. Long and layered, it reveals itself slowly. East Bench is one of the few Ridge Zinfandels that is 100% Zinfandel. The vineyard sits on a high west-facing bench of land overlooking Dry Creek Valley from the east. As is common in Dry Creek Valley, the vines are head trained – without trellising – even though they were planted relatively recently in 2000. Dry Creek may well be California’s most renowned AVA for Zinfandel, and this wine shows its classic provenance.

WW92, Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

COMMENTARY: The 2020 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel packs a load, yet it stays smooth and nicely textured on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blackberries and forest-like notes. Enjoy it with thin-crusted mushroom and sausage pizza. (Tasted: April 22, 2022, San Francisco, CA)

JD90, Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Zinfandel East Bench reveals a medium ruby/plum color to go with more savory notes of red and black plums, baking spices, dried herbs, and incense. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, has a good mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a solid finish. It comes in a fair click behind the 2018 and 2019, but it’s nevertheless an outstanding wine as well as a terrific effort in this challenging vintage.