Tried the '90 recently, spoke of how amazing a producer of Californian Cabernet it is, but just needed a little more time, this '85 is well & truly on point, everything is in balance, there's fruit intensity yes, but the development/complexity/layers are really shining through, outstanding stuff. — 9 years ago
The 2013 is a masterpiece. It's a burst of dark blackberries, blueberries, roses, tobacco and leather. Good tannins. I'd pay twice as much for this wine. — 10 years ago
A #magnummonday find at Nopa, this showed an awesomely expressive nose of crunchy red and dark berries and fresh flowers but also tons of delicious savoriness--black pepper, cinnamon, and savory potpourri. The palate was fresh with lots of fine tannins and plenty of lift to bring it all together. With food an awesome cranberry jam note emerged. Southern Rhone blend roughly equal parts Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Counoise. — 10 years ago
This yellow-gold wine rings the “old-style Cali” bell in all the right ways. A nose of apricots, mangoes and apples is helped along with the smell of buttered popcorn. Oak treats the palate as well, draping over the tropical fruit like a sunshade. The acidity is zesty, yet the mouthfeel tends toward creaminess due to the wine sitting on the lees for five months. The oak is a definite part of the wine, but the effect is softened enough so that it's a pleasure, not a pain. — 7 years ago
Still very youthful. A lot of whole cluster spice — 8 years ago
Nose is dominated with cola and raspberries. Tannins are still prominent, giving it a rustic sense. The acidity is brisk. Finishes with somewhat tart cherries, and black olives, in a pleasant way. Shows purity and has echoes of a burg grand cru.
A big shout out and HNY to our new friends, and old, on DL. We trust that 2017 is going to be a smash hit for all. Carpe diem 🍾🎈 — 9 years ago
Pale shade of a much younger wine . Zesty and Fresh at 16. — 10 years ago
100 years of solid viticultral artistry in head-trained vines. gorgeously upright and joyful. — 11 years ago
Amazing blend that awakens every part of your tongue. — 7 years ago
Unique to Santa Cruz, this one nearing end of life but still quite good. February 2018. — 8 years ago
Earthy mushroom and cherry-berry bouquet. Tasting: Mostly cherry--a splash of blackberry, black tea, with limestone and oak on the finish, the latter sweetened a bit by the fruit. Well balanced tannins. In general, I am not a fan of straight merlot--and this bottle has not changed my opinion, but Ridge knows how to make it elegant. — 8 years ago

Very well balanced! Hints of oak and blackberry. Great with a steak. — 10 years ago
Dark ruby, full of red fruits, cranberry and raspberry. Nicely balanced. #swanterrace — 11 years ago
Lots going on here, all of it good1 — 12 years ago
Patrick Derdeyn
Another last of its kind wine as the San Mateo moved to Alesia label after this vintage. This young blend is really singing right now with bright red fruit and cedar spice and well balanced acidity. A candidate for short term aging, but the freshness of the fruit really shines now. — 7 years ago