Tasting Notes

A bold wine with a lot of impact, this Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah blend delivers a punch. A dusky nose (reminiscent of old oak trees) is followed with strawberry and red cherry aromas. The wine has a long finish, lingering in the mouth with after flavors of black pepper and sweet red fruit. A terrific, weighty red with character, drink now.

Winery Story

Susan Meyer and Jim Fresquez welcome visitors frequently at their bed-and-breakfast kitchen table. On a sideboard rests open bottles of their wine for guests to enjoy at will, while the two of them typically have glasses already started. Outside, a menagerie of yellow Labs, barn cats and thoroughbred horses comprise the foreground of RustRidge Winery's pastoral Chiles Valley tableau. It is an unconventional and relaxing setting for a home of fine winemaking.

The RustRidge Winery is a small production winery located along a backside ridge of the Napa Valley in the sub-appellation Chiles Valley. It is here that Jim and Susan live close to the land, farming 50 acres of organically grown and dry farmed grapes and breeding thoroughbreds, reflecting their two passions in life: wine and horses. The Meyer's family bought the property in 1972 and was the first to plant Chardonnay in Chiles Valley. Susan took over the reins of the winery with her husband Jim in 1990.

Visitors are greeted at the bed-and-breakfast or in the tasting room-a converted cattle barn filled with barrels, pictures of horses, along with old saddles on display. There's a small tasting bar with several old stools that houses their wine bottle display. Tasters can relax while they sample five or six estate wines, and chat about their favorite topics-from the new colt in the front paddock to their highly esteemed wines.