September 17, 2019 - A former assistant winemaker and his wife came to dinner last night, he had pulled this out his cellar. The ullage was 3/4 inch and the cork was sound. The wine was almost geriatric but still somewhat vital and somewhat recognizable as Zinfandel. Still had good acidity and healthy but somewhat tawny color. The blend in those days was 84% Zinfandel. Probably really wonderful ten years ago but tonight it was charming in a memory lane way.
April 25, 2019 - Bottle: Purchased on release for $9.99. Stored in passively cooled cellar. Fill and cork perfect.
Color: Ruby with pink rim. Nice shimmer. Pretty.
Nose: Aged Zin. Figs with notes of cherry, vanilla and violets. Nice complexity.
Palate: Soft and smooth. Medium body. Good acidity. Somewhat tart but deep flavors of candied cherry/berry. Some tannic bite on the finish.
This has held up pretty well but has not really evolved into anything profound. Was probably much better 20 years ago when the fruit would have been more "juicy".
December 1, 2018 - some good stuff still in this bottle. The big zin is gone but the lovely fruit so subtle remains
August 28, 2018 - Bought at the winery and stored well until just consumed. Just a hint of fruit left at this point, call it somewhat more than fully mature and enjoyable as such, just temper your expectations.
February 20, 2012 - Blind Tasting 1980-87 Ridge Geyservilles (Rich & Peggy's House, Los Altos, CA): corked
July 24, 2004 - UK wine-pages Geyserville Vertical (London): A bit bretty. O.K. But well past-it