June 30, 2018 - At tasting. Brief note. Quince paste and raspberries galore upfront followed by honeyed dates and raisins. Like silk on the palate. Fully mature and fully resolved. Lovely with salty cheese and fruit studded sausages.
October 17, 2015 - Old Vines Offline III (Mi Casa): We opened this to pair with dessert but it was dead. The nose is overwhelmed by VA.
August 4, 2014 - This wine was labelled to drink by 2009, 5 yrs ago, so we reduced it and used it to make a fresh poached pear wine sauce. Would be great with either clotted cream ( because of the silkiness of the reduction) or creme fraiche, depending on tastes.
January 29, 2011 - Complex later stage of a big wine. If blackberry jam became a fortified wine or port this is what it would taste like. Tannins have subsided and overall this is pretty mellow for such a powerful wine. It has held up well, and keeps my pallet's interest. Best on its own or with appetizers or deserts - or as an after dinner wine. Enjoyed it on a cold winter night by the fire which may be the perfect setting.
Additional characteristics:
Dark red.
Aroma of fig, and raisin.
Flavors of raisin, fig, and black currant (cassis).
Very full bodied.
Thick, leathery texture.
Short finish for such a rich wine.
December 25, 2010 - Still fresh. A little over ripe and sweet. Lots of herb/tobacco, dark fruit.
December 19, 2010 - Gorgeous deep red. Smells of overripe fruit, but doesn't taste as overripe as it smells. This is actually pretty decent with 10 years of age on it. Tannins are soft. Lovely berry fruit. 15.7% abv.
January 2, 2010 - This is not my favorite type of wine. These late picked wines from Ridge are the only ones in the ATP program that I wish I didn't get. A bit too ripe and pruney for my taste. 15.7% abv
November 22, 2005 - Rich with a lot of fruit. A little too rich for my taste.
October 9, 2005 - port like, enjoyable if thats your style....