Hidden Ridge lies within an enclosed valley on steep terraced mountainside slopes with mostly eastern and southern exposures at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,700 feet. Soils are a complex mixture of uplifted alluvium and decomposed volcanic material typical of the Mayacamas Range and vary throughout the vineyard. The lean soils and steep slopes naturally limit vine vigor and give remarkably small-berried fruit. Although the vineyard is usually above the fog and sees warm days, the site is protected from inland heat and receives ocean cooling from early morning and late afternoon breezes that maintain our moderate growing temperatures to somewhat cooler than the Spring Mountain District directly to the east. The extended growing day at moderate temperatures gives the fruit well-developed tannins and rich texture yet preserves the complex fruit characters and natural acidity lost in warmer locations.

The 2019 growing year began with moderate late Winter and early Spring rains, a relief in perpetual drought struck California. While the rains supply our water, in the late Spring they can inhibit flowering and fruit set, reducing the crop. While we avoided any significant losses, a few heavier rains in May enhanced vine vigor, necessitating extra work managing the canopy to ensure adequately exposed, well-ripened fruit. The weather warmed in June and held steady and warm, with a few modest heat spikes in August, September, and October. These moderate heat help drive development and limit berry size, ultimately aiding concentration. The 2019 vintage is very reminiscent of those a decade earlier, showcasing ripe fruit with well-ripened seeds and skins providing abundant color, flavor, texture, and balance.

Our 2019 Slope is rich with dark brambly fruit framed by sweet spices, coffee, and chocolate, all carried on a supple yet dense palate. As the wine opens, it reveals layers of flavor: raspberry leaf, blueberry, lavender, and spice cake, completed by blackberry, hibiscus, black tea, muscovado sugar, and espresso. While the mountainside tannins provide a dense framework to carry the wine, they are well-ripened, supple, and relax into velvet with decanting. Accessible in its youth, it will continue to evolve for decades. Drink 2025 – 2040.