A few things; I still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge, not even a corked bottle & I’ve had a number of them. First time having this bottling. I don’t drink a lot of Zinfandel or Zinfandel blends but when I do, I prefer Ridge’s style.
96% Zinfandel & 4% Petite Sirah. Decanted 40 minutes.
Intense nose of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, boysenberries and hints of blueberries, incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty, dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice, some; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon. Liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers.
The palate shows; round, lush & juicy fruits of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, liqueured dark cherries. boysenberries, notes of poached strawberries and hints of blueberries. Incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice with some heat, a little; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, finely crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, used iron pan notes, powdered minerals, liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers, excellent round acidity, tall structure & fairly big tension, well balanced and nicely, layered, polished finish that lasts nearly 90 seconds.
Still a bit young to me. Better in 5-7 yrs and will drink well for another 5-7 after that. More new wood use here than I am used to in their Zin & Zin blends.
Paired nicely with my Allen Brothers burger.
Photos of; the drive up entry to Ridge’s tasting room hilltop above Cupertino, cellar barrel, Ponzo Vineyard fruit and their tasting terrace. — a month ago
The wine is starting to tire. Incredible nose, cherries, blueberries, spice, leather and tobacco. On the palate it is probably past its prime. Super soft tannins, slight red fruits and a bit of oak. Very fun and interesting wine. Super enjoyable. — 4 days ago
Caramel aroma. Sweet +. Black currant. Full + body. Tannic. 21 @5720, Pieroth, 240413 — a month ago
So good. Leaner vintage. — 12 days ago
These guys make some really outstanding wines. ! — 4 days ago
At WS - smooth — a month ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Blend of 65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah & 4% Alicante Bouschet. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruits, oak, spice and floral scents. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with pepper, cacao, spice and smoky oak. Well balanced, fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, smoke and spice. Will age. — 6 hours ago