Severn G

9.4

Confrerie Des Chevaliers du Tastevin Sous-Commanderie d'Albany, Pauleé Dinner; 27 January 2019 at Lake Ridge Restaurant, Round Lake, NY — 7 years ago

James Forsyth

9.3

I bought a few of the 2007 Ridge York Creek Zin-blends some time ago. A night at the apartment with two wonderful friends made for the perfect occasion to bring a bottle - a nod to anecdotes that they had previously shared about hanging out with Paul Draper in the 1970s. Berries and cherries, floral and spicey, this wine lasts forever on the palate. Really amazed as to how well it has aged. — 8 years ago

Chris Bensick

9.7

If I'd had the foresight (and the $$$) in 1978 I would have bought a whole case of this wonderful stuff. Still going strong, good cork, no sign of drying out. Paul Draper, you are a genius ! — 9 years ago

Richard Alfred

9.1

Boarding House, Chicago. Paul Mattingly and Dan Blouin. 3/1/16. — 10 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.2

Maresh, Momtazi & Ribbon Ridge vineyard blend. Tons of power & spice. 2008 still showing massive structure to balance the powerful fruit. — 10 years ago

Stephen Rosemire

9.2

So unmistakable! One of the easier blinds in a while. It screams of California, and more specifically California translated beautifully by Paul draper. So consistently delicious. — 11 years ago

Craig Williams

9.4

Back cherry, loamy fragrance lifts the fragrance to hypnotic contemplation; upon tasting the wine repeats the sensation with fleshy tannins and modest acidity. Perhaps a great example of Ribbon Ridge attributes; and evokes the best qualities of Pommard. — 11 years ago

Robert McNally

10

As perfect as everyone says it is — 7 years ago

James Forsyth

9.3

Our friends shared anecdotes about hanging out with Paul Draper in the 1970s, so it had to be a Ridge night. What a stunner with masses of tannins and acidity, rich with black cherries. It could do with a few years but fun to try now. — 8 years ago

Jeff Collins

Owner Peabody's Wine & Beer Merchants and Benchmark Provisions

9.2

Elegant, evolved, beautiful old Zin. Paul Draper is the man. — 9 years ago

Jones Family

9.3

Paul Weiss — 10 years ago

Lee Lightfoot

9.2

Ever changing, a little mealy and rustic. Metallic edge blew off, the merlot was evident with a red fruit rush. Every sip was different. Paul draper would be proud. — 10 years ago

Lewis Chester

9.6

1984 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon:
From Jay. Ruby red in color. Saddle sweat, manure, and barnyard essence mixed with eucalyptus, menthol, cracked old leather, and damp earth on the nose. Red berries and currants intermixed with black forest fruit on the palette. Very mature, sophisticated and multidimensional. This is a very feminine wine which captivates the palette as layers reveal themselves. This wine glides across the palette. Great balance and poise. There is still life in this wine but I have reservations as to whether it will improve. A fabulous way to finish a wonderful roast veal that was cooked to perfection . Anyone that still thinks CA Cab can't age needs to cross paths with a bottle of the '84 Monte Bello. Perhaps one of Paul Draper's greatest vintages of Monte Bello? Drink now to 2025. 96+/100.

— 10 years ago

Morgan Harris

Head Sommelier Aureole New York

9.2

Ride of the Valkyries. It's a big boy, just keeping it together in this vintage. But hey, what Paul Draper says, goes. Not big in an obnoxious way, just big. Reminds me of Kongsgaard a lot this vintage. — 11 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.3

Popped and poured at restaurant. Fully opaque ruby color. Dark berry fruit, licorice, lavender, menthol, and some subtle earth are all evident on the nose after it opens up a bit. On the palate, it’s quite structured and tightly wound with an elegant, graceful style somewhat closer to Bordeaux than Napa coming in at 13.8% alcohol. Although long time winemaker Paul Draper has crafted this blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc for the long haul, it’s rewarding drinking now as well. Monte Bello’s 2nd wine puts most Napa cult cab’s 2nd wines to shame at a fraction of the cost. — 8 years ago

with Drew and Kelly

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

On the nose, big jammy fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, dark cherries, blue fruits, understated baking spices, spice and dark florals. M body & tannins. Ripe, fresh; dark cherries, black berries, plum, blue fruits and strawberries round out the fruits. Dark spices with heat, salted caramel, dark coco powder, dry crushed rocks, black rich earth, stems, tobacco leaf, hint of woodiness, a round soft bright fruit finish with great natural acidity. They made a small amount rosé of from the Geyerville fruit in this vintage. Per Eric, he believes it makes a really good rose. Photos of, another vineyard, the legendary Paul Draper and shot of the barrel room. Eric believes this vintage will cellar 30 years. Certainly one of the very best Geyserville's I've had. Score should improve with a 7-10 years cellaring. They just bought the Geyserville vineyard...just over 300 acres at 7 million dollars. — 8 years ago

Marty Winters

9.5

Paul draper can do no wrong. — 10 years ago

Michael Meagher MS

Chairman/Founder Boston Sommelier Society, Beverage Director Cafe Escadrille

9.5

Like seeing an old friend. First winery I ever visited (I was 5), and is always one of my favorite places to visit. Wines are better than ever and Paul Draper is simply a legend. — 10 years ago

Morgan Twain-Peterson

Winemaker Bedrock Wine Co., Partner Under the Wire

9.8

Three moments when you are humbled as a vineyard owner 1) the first time you make wine from your own vineyard, 2) the first time Turley makes wine from your vineyard 3)the first time you hear Paul Draper proclaim the greatness of anything with the word 'hooker' in it particularly relating to your own vine. — 11 years ago

Enrico Nicoletta

9.2

Wow, I love this wine! The first Chablis like made in California, 12.9% alcohol!. Good luck in finding it, unless you shop at Paul Marcus Wines in Oakland — 11 years ago