Still going strong. Fruit holding in, tertiary flavors blooming, beautiful acidity and Bordeaux nuances. As always, a delight to drink. Enjoyed with family on Masters Sunday. Solid 92, sadly my last bottle. Drink or hold. Delicious.
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Brought to E&K's for football. This bottle was drinking great. Still lots of fruit but very nice balance and smooth texture. Should drink well for a couple more years easily, but no need to wait
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Fantastic! Decanted to remove sediment. Slow to open but after about an hour the aromatics exploded with black plum, cola, creamy cloves, and even some drying spices like cumin. Racy and complex. Under-ripe red plums, melted licorice and a notable green herbal streak on the palette with a medium-long finish. Seems to be at the apogee of its development but will hold here for another 2-3 years. Great effort by the Ridge team.
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This is barely passing out of it's primary phase yet. The oak is evident but there is a lot of rich fruit here yet. Long smoothness here. Light tannin lingering around to clean up the finish. Lots of berry character. Consistent overnight. This has a long way to go yet there isn't a lot of complexity. That could change if the oak integrates before the fruit completely passes out of it's primary phase. Somewhat majestic as is. What else would you expect from a Geyserville?
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Another great Ridge. There is a bit of v/a - brettanomyces on the nose but the palate is solid. 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignane, 7% Petite Syrah, 2% Mataro & 1% Alicante Bouschet. This blend changes year to year but, the quantity is always solid. Once again, I’ve been at this a long time, but I have never opened a bad bottle of Ridge.
Ripe, juicy; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, boysenberries, raspberries over that hover over the top. Touch a black pepper, some black tar, dry crushed rocks, volcanic limestone minerals, dark, rich soils, pine tar, melted, dark chocolate, notes of herbaceousiness, moist clay, violets for days, caramel notes, vanillin, some lavender, amazing acidity with a well balanced, smooth structure/tension and a beautiful finish that lasts a full minute.
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Nice deep ruby color; nose was subdued red fruit; medium bodied with very mellow tannis; a distinct hit of candied rasberry and strawberry flavors. Stood up to BBQ chicken and tri tip. Drinking nicely though I’d drink it within the next couple of years.
Short note - dark berries, blackcurrant, vanilla, pepper, dark cherries, at first alot of acetone, ut blew off after some time. Medium complex, long finish, quite concentrated, slight bitter in finish, very good quality, 90p
Drink nown and next 5 years
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Faded spicy red fruit along with a bit of oak. No signs of declining in a big sense, but seems to be taking on a more savory profile. Lots of structure left if you want to hold longer. Overall, relatively uninteresting and not memorable. Drink now - 2027.
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5 years since last bottle. Lean, quite floral nose. Ripe black cherries, dark chocolate and forest floor. Surprising acidity, very smooth tannins. Great balance.
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Post Golf Dinner w/Friends (EBCC): Popped and poured. Plum and black fruit notes dominate with a bit of weedy/vegetal brett influence in the background. Plummy dark fruit follows through on the palate, finishing with good length. There's a nice herbaceous undertone. Will continue to age, but there's no need to wait as it's in a nice place. A very good, but not great, Geyserville.
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Purposely held 10 years as with all wines in my Geyserville and Lytton vertical. Perfect provenance and purchased directly from the winery. Amazing in that it still drinks young…no bricking or other signs of aging. Aromas of freshly tilled earth, Saddle leather, rose petals, crushed black fruits. Medium bodied with balanced acidity and mellow tannins. From 750, this popped but not decanted at dinner, sat in bottle for 30 minutes. Our crew drank it quickly and enjoyed the iconic Zin blend that is Geyserville. This has aged quite gracefully since my last bottle and still going strong.
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Oddly, nothing distinctive about this bottle; not my usual experience. Withholding comments until the next bottle is opened, this being the first 2012 Geezer that I've opened.
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Not entirely dissimilar to my last bottle in 2018, but a touch less ripe and slightly more complex, with no less acidity than I recall from last time, with the caveat my brain and memory are themselves older...
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Deep garnet. Blackberry, cinnamon, leather nose. Still a lot of dark fruits on the palate, together with earth/savoury flavours. Continues to drink very well, although I don’t believe that it’s improved since 2020. Should be good for another 5 years. 14.5% abv 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan.
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This wine is still going strong! It has nice dark red fruits, including ripe plums, black tea, bramble, forest floor, maybe some garrique. It has a full mouthfeel and good complexity.
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At the edge of middle age, this shows beautifully plump fruit with just enough freshness alongside some more interesting secondary characteristics. Glossy cherries, prunes, and figs, with some black tea, camphor, and cocoa. Round and creamy, but with some real acid backbone and fine tannins. Stately and showing its Italian pedigree, but with a character that is uniquely Ridge.
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I bought a bunch of these with the intention to age, but decided to check in on one now. I'm happy to report that the wine is drinking really well, and is crafted differently (better to my palate) than various recent ATP bottles I've opened. Specifically, the oak flavors are much better integrated and very well balanced against the dark berry fruit. Acid and tannin are roughly medium at this stage, and at 10 years of age this has probably lost some of the exuberance of its youth. I suspect that this wine still has some years ahead of it, holding and possibly even improving.
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In a great spot. I have found I like this in their youth and middle age. Often I have found that after about a decade, Geyserville loses some of the edges that make me love it. But this when is still beautiful! Very good value at $32.High toned. Black and blue fruit, licorice, cocoa, pepper and menthol. Pleasant mild acidity and softening tannin on the back dusting the mout. Some sweet fruit remains. Losing a bit of lift and structure but still lovely. One more left.
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Like my last bottle, this one still has nice dark red fruit, bramble, forest floor, and a very savory finish. But, I sense, at least with this bottle, that the fruit is starting to fade a bit and the alcohol seems to be more prominent.
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A blend of organically farmed Zinfandel (71%), Carignan (19%), Petite Sirah (7%), Nourvèdre (2%) and Alicante Bouschet (3%) from the Geyserville vineyard in Alexander Valley. The harvest started on 17th of September and ended on 17th of October. Fermented spontaneously, macerated with the skins for 9 days. Six lots were macerated with a submerged cap, the remaining lots received pump-overs. Aged in American oak (24% new, 25% second and third use and 51% older) for 13 months. 14,4% alcohol. Tasted in a mini-vertical of Geyserville 2016, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Quite deep and dark ruby-red color that permits a little light through. Dark-toned and very slightly sappy nose with aromas of ripe dark plums and boysenberries, some blueberry tones, a little bit of something that reminds me of mustard, light sappy notes of stemmy greenness, a hint of savory oak spice and a faint leafy touch of birch leaves. The nose feels quite distinctive and rather singular in our vertical, exhibiting both dark-toned fruit aromas and subtly green-toned nuances. The wine feels ripe, juicy and moderately full-bodied on the palate with a taste that is slightly sweetish yet still dry and savory at the same tame. There are quite intense flavors of juicy plums and ripe forest fruits, some fresh bilberry tones, a little bit of black cherry, light oaky notes of vanilla and cedary wood spice, sweet hints of strawberry jam and almost overripe blackcurrants and a faint lifted touch of sweet VA. The overall feel is quite fresh and structured, thanks to the rather high acidity and moderately grippy medium-plus tannins. The finish is rich and juicy and some tannic grip and a pretty lengthy aftertaste of ripe blackcurrants and sweet, soft black cherries, some oaky notes of cloves, vanilla and other sweet baking spice, a little bit of spicy cedar character, a hint of boysenberry marmalade and a faint lifted touch of VA.
A tasty, firm and quite structured vintage of Geyserville that feels a bit similar to the 2016 vintage with its faint green nuances in the nose, but otherwise shows a bit more depth, complexity and integration. Age has definitely done nothing but good to this wine; it feels a bit more mature and harmonious than the 2016 that was tasted alongside it, and the wine has lost the subtly lactic undertones and some of its baby fat it exhibited when I tasted the wine the last time some 5 years ago. It is definitely on the right tracks, and while it is drinking pretty well at the moment, I can see it improving with further cellaring. A quite terrific, harmonious and promising vintage of Geyserville, this. Priced according to its quality at 40,50€.
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Lots of dark red fruit, bramble, forest floor, and a very savory finish. It is very mature and quite enjoyable. There is absolutely no need to let this age further, in fact, I believe it is at its peak.
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Drank over 4 hours without decanting. On the nose bright dark red berries, big american oak, floral minty freshness and bit of that umami deepness that comes only with age. Its really elegant, though I feel the oak could use a few more years to integrate better. Nice acidity, round tannins. My first Ridge, not last for sure.
Minimal decanting. I tasted this wine with Argentinian beef and mushroom empanadas.
Dark crimson in appearance with no noticeable bricking. Nose of dark berries, baking spices and pink bubble gum dust. Tannins were round and acidity was moderate. Delicious on the palate with flavors of black berry, cinnamon, mint, graphite, river stones, chalk and licorice. Moderate finish. I believe this wine has another 7 to 10 years of enjoyable drinking ahead. Wow! The consistent level of high quality winemaking at Ridge is unwavering.
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Really liked this. Such a balanced Zin, with great fruit yet with enough structure and acid to make one pause and appreciate this without chugging it down mindlessly. Drank over 3 days.
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Pre-National Day drinks at Maison Dakota. Drank in Gabriel Standart. Appearance is clear, deep intensity, purple colour. Legs. Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of blackberries, boysenberries, crayons, candies, sweet spices. Developing. On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.4%), smooth integrated medium+ tannins only, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of fresh meat, sweet spices, boysenberries, blackberries, peppery spices. Juicy long finish. Very good quality. Still fresh and could last a few more years easily. But doesn't need more age to be appreciated.
My first of these, pulled to compare with a 2012 Ridge Lytton Springs the previous week.They are quite different and my nod is to the GFeyserville. The fruit here is at this moment less rampant, though still considerable and delicious, and the wine is beautifully integrated. Seamless, balanced. It doesn't require grilled food or the like.
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J liked this more than the de Negoce N.06 Cab, which is surprising since she is a cab girl. But I think it's the age- acid in the background vs. the younger N.06 (2017).
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Silky smooth and ready to go. Lots of blackberry (surprise, surprise) and quite enjoyable. The bottle age had done well, but don't know that I would have liked it any better with further age. It's Zin after all, the fruit is the show. Mild chalky tannins, good from start to finish.
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I just opened this bottle and I have to say what a great Zin! Lots of bramble, dark red fruits, dried plums, and some savory notes. It still has some years ahead of it, but why wait?
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A bit forward and jammy for a Geyserville, but very good. Mature and ready to drink. Tannins integrated, oak integrated. Red and black fruits, hints of tertiaries, rich but not cloying. Food friendly if paired with the right foods. Worked wonders with homemeade pizza topped with peppers, sausage, and bits of fresh mozarella,
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CT drinking window says start drinking up, but this still has a lot of jammy freshness, at least from ideal cellar conditions. Nice tertiary aspects developing too, in fine balance with the primary. Probably will evolve pleasantly for 5 more years, but definitely not a mistake to drink now. In that time frame this will not get better as much as become different.
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I’m sure it has a few more years, but this shows a fair amount of mature notes. Dried berries and some lingering oak, with a very silky feel. Not the best Geyserville I’ve had, but delivers its usual goodness.
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Black raspberry, blueberry, an initial touch of vanilla that receded to the background as the wine opened up. Still tasty on day 2. Purchased from winery on release. High-quality cork in fine condition. Drinking perfectly now without decant.
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Yup. Aged geezer deliciousness. Rich red cherry/blackberry fruit, vivid florals, the beginnings of sous bois. Tannins still present but starting to integrate. Great energy and cut. Despite the waft of American oak and sweetness, it’s balanced and has finesse.
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This one’s ready to roll without a decant. Creamy texture and that same bubble gum I picked up in the previous bottle. Lush with dark pitted fruits and a campfire finish. Went perfect with tonight’s grilled salmon because of its acid spine. Nicely done. Drink now to 2024. Worth Seeking Out.
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Black red color with a clear meniscus. Savory nose with dried cherry, sweet cherry and baking spice. Full body with good structure (medium acidity, low tannins) - palate consistent with nose. 91+/-
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This has evolved nicely since my previous bottle in March 2019. It is notably better, especially after an hour after decanting. It is 71% zinfandel, 19% carignane, 7% petite sirah, 2% mataro and 1% alicante bouschet. The non-zinfandel components are quite apparent and give it a darker, heavier body than a pure zin, and they require more time to age sufficiently. Finally, at 8 years of age, it is ready to drink. Hard to predict when it will start to fade; a few years at least. Once it has opened up, it's hard to put it down.
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Deep ruby. Dark fruits, plums, black cherries on the nose. Decanted 2-3 hours before drinking. Jammy, maybe some dried fruits. I think this will still improve in the future.
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3rd bottle in past year. Initial pour, flat nose and a bit of a fortified mouth feel (a touch of VOC? did I wait too long to open?). Opened a 2nd bottle and wow that's the wine I remember. Really drinking well now.
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Nice evolution here. Opens up port-like then smooths out over time to reveal berries and a hint of spice. Round tannins, earth on the finish which is a bit short.
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decanted 30 min. more than correct Geyserville, but not my favorite example. no nits, exactly as expected; fruit is more on the plum spectrum, spice cake, dusty, tannins a tad disjointed. tend to like these at 8+ years, so will re-evaluate. worked well w/food, which is always a bonus.
shaksusa w/spanish chorizo, sheep's milk feta
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Solid Zinfandel blend from the much lauded Ridge vineyards. Definitely a powerful wine. Full bodied goodness. Notes of dark berries, tobacco, spices, wood. Medium+ finish. I would not call this a memorable wine, but certainly a solid, enjoyable wine, specially when accompanied with red meat.
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This has been resting in my cellar since release and figured this might be ready to go on the pop and pour. I was wrong. Please don’t misunderstand, it’s a treat to drink, it’s just still very young. So much so, in fact, that it took three days to really begin stretching its legs. Well endowed with fruit, I wouldn’t try again for at least another couple of years. I expect it will probably drink very well for another 10-12 years.
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The 2012 Ridge Geyserville features elegant bramble fruit, star anise, and cloves. While well done, this is a particularly juicy vintage for Geyserville that isn’t my favorite style of Zinfandel. The finish is sweet and syrupy. I would drink these now and over the next few years.
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Decanted for sediment (recommended) Deep purple center to the edge. Dark cherry, black currents at first with some bright red fruit to follow. As time went on, a little spice. Began with rich, red fruit, tasting like a good, well-aged cab. A bit of oak prominent to start. Long finish with lingering Zin flavors. As this opened up (over 2 hours) it developed into a classic Geyserville with baking spice/zin profile. This is a real beauty just coming into its own. Drink (with decant) or hold as usual. 71% Zin, 7% Petit Sirah, 2% Mouverdre and 1% Alicante Bouchet.
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tall, brawny sweet fruit slams you in the face. Not a wimpy wine (as Ravenswood might say :)). Superlative, deep zin-based fruit with the other varietals adding nuance and complexity. Really well structured. not overly sweet
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Second Sunday Group: Ridge Geyserville Vertical (2008-2015) (R&D's): Double blind. Deep purple garnet color. Aromas of mixed fruit and violet with a bit of alcoholic heat too. Tannic; dark fruit on the palate. Raspberry/black raspberry notes as it opens, with more of the same on the palate. Structured; good.
My #4, Domino's #4 Group #4, 44 pts
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In a great place, still has its youthful power and vitality but has mellowed. Dark plum, tobacco, bergamot, vanilla. Strong, powerful wine but has a feminine side. Excellent. Drinking great now, will hold for a long time but might start to shed its youth and move on to the next phase soon.
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Dark, rich ruby red with medium plus to high optical density and high reflectivity. Strong intensity of aromas with a southern Rhone flair, with aromatics (floral and balsamic) on top of some dark fruits (blackberries, plums, and some cassis. There are also some spices in there, including caraway, along with some molasses sweetness and dusty crushed nuts. A bit of toasted tobacco on the back end. Very interesting nose for sure, decent complexity and some definite vinous character. The palate is full bodied and broad, with a bright medium acidity and integrated tannins that are strong in intensity, but just act to spread the density of the wine across the palate. Very nice overall mouthfeel, with density and concentration that shows heft, but a balanced and elegant weightiness. Flavours of dark fruits on the attack, with blackberry, mixed dark berry jam, and some spicy cassis. The intensity just picks up from there through the midpalate, bringing plums that seem soaked in molasses and some more herbal spices. A dark set of flavours that is light and almost sticky sweet, but yet is savoury and interesting. the finish is of warm light jammy fruit and some red and black licorice, and shows medium length. Overall, really good intensity and impressive complexity- evolves on the palate nicely, and shows a honest and pure expression of wine. Not overly sweet, but definitely packed with fruit and interesting ages character.
This is really excellent wine- showing a fun and zesty Zin blend that is made to show the vineyard up front. In a very nice spot at the moment, this provides a sense of the traditional old world (i.e., Southern Rhone) in a package that is fresh and fun. Interesting and thought-provoking at this stage, just totally enjoyable. Outstanding, a style that I love and at a stage that is just beautiful!
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Didn't note color. On nose, briary scent with cherry, bing cherry and touch of baking spice. On palate, all-spice, sweet cherry fruit, dark cherry and touch of tobacco. medium body, medium+ acidity, medium tannins and long finish - I really enjoyed this and it didn't taste out of place next to the CDP.
92+/- A Zinfandel for Bordeaux drinkers.
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Very high toned. Black and blue fruit, licorice, cocoa, pepper and menthol. This is acidic driven in the mouth with some tannin on the back dusting the mouth but still with some sweetness. Lots of lift and structure. Really good.
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14.3% abv. Dark ruby, expressive aromas. Ripe plum, black cherry, pomegranate and a bit of dark chocolate on the palate. Excellent intensity, depth and length. This adolescent Geyser is just entering its time to strut.
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One hour decant for a bit of sediment. Everything in balance here. Fruit forward with characteristic baking spice nose, red and black fruit layered beneath. Could have passed for an older cab. Oak still present but not intrusive. Rich, round flavors and a nice, long finish. I still hesitate at the cost to buy these, rarely do I regret it when I drink them later. This has long life ahead yet.
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I can see where many people would get pleasure from the fruit forward nature of this wine at this time, but I'd rather try it again with some more age. This thing has LOTS of life left.
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Dark red with some brownish-purple hue, with medium plus optical density and reflectivity. Aromas are intense and somewhat vinous, with sage brush, forest floor, aromatic flowers, and dark plum fruit. Full bodied on the palate with medium plus acidity, and a very plush mouthfeel, with well-integrated tannins. Feels dense and yet not at all syrupy. Concentrated with flavours though! The attack leads off with dark fruits and brush, with is augmented with some spicy notes of black pepper by midpalate. Some level of richness here, but very vinous and elegant in character, so harder to put specific identifiers here. Very delicious. The finish shows green olive and a twist of balsamic after a final transition of leather and cedar, providing for a nice finish that is medium in length and with dried leather.
Very nice Zin blend here with some definite aged character. This has a lot of old-world elegance and style, with a certain understated presence. Everything seems to have blended together to provide for a consistent, balanced, and smooth wine that comes across as thoughtful and interesting, but you have to work with it- savour and enjoy. Really feels like a well-made Rhone wine in many ways, I would be likely to pick Southern Rhone if blind. I would think this is ready to drink now, I'm not sure I'll hold my other bottle much longer. Beautiful wine that is a pure pleasure to drink!
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Medium red; fresh fruit, light licorice; in a very nice spot, smooth and elegant, raspberry, a little tannic nap at the end and also drying up a bit in the aftertaste; would drink up now; nice
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Our last bottle of this was right in the zone for my palate. It is rich and smooth, with just a whisper of tertiary nuances starting to emerge. I recommend allowing the bottle to sit upright for a day or so before decanting, as it does throw a good amount of sediment.
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On the fuller and riper side, plenty of bramble, perhaps my imagination but I thought its still showing plenty of oak. While 2012 wasn't my favorite year, this wine was fine and reminds me that I really should be buying Geyser every year.
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Had this with my wine group at a Turkish restaurant. It was a great match for the food. Enjoyed by all, about half of us had it as their WOTN. Dark color, medium-long finish. Spice notes on the nose.
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First of a case. The only wine we have ever had from Ridge that we didn't like was one that was corked. Bottle bouquet is getting fantastic. Smooth and balanced on the palate with nicely developing characteristics that only come with age.
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Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with ripe blackberry fruit. Decent persistence, but a little deficient in acidity for this taster. That said, balanced and enjoyable if not quite in my sweet spot.
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Love the 2012 Geyserville. Very perfumed blackberry and bramble with great structure and acidity. There’s also a slight apple cider note that adds to the complexity.
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Nearly 20% Carignan makes this distinct and interestingly different from most other good Zin blends from Sonoma and Napa. Seems to be in a good place right now (relative to my prior tastings in '15 and '17) but with plenty of life and further evolution ahead.
Smooth and balanced, nice fruit, not jammy. Not sure this will gain much in complexity to make it one of the great Geyservilles but it is a legit one and darn tasty. Superb with upscale bbq.
Dark fruit, plum, dark berries, lavender and menthol on the expressive nose. Medium, soft tannins with black berry jam, plum, and spices on the palate. Very long, lingering finish. Wife: 92
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A touch of bubble gum and tar with some heat upon first opening. But settles into a lovely place in the first hour, with gobs of blackberries, bright cherries and ripe strawberries. Peekaboo tannins that come and go. Medium to full-bodied with a lusty long finish. I might wait on future bottles to see if the tannins integrate. Drink 2020-2028. (����= Worth Seeking Out)
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This is a beautiful vintage for this wine which is coming along nicely. Drinking really well now, although be sure to set the bottle upright for a day or two and then decant as it is throwing a fair amount of sediment.
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This was decent. Required a bit of time to open up, initially a touch harsh. I guess I'm moving out of my Geyserville phase as the last 3 bottles from differing vintages we just decent. That's okay. Paired with a grilled pork rack with Steve's secret dry rub.
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Unfortunately this bottle was dominated by a pungent acetone-like smell that made the wine undrinkable. To Ridge's credit, they are replacing the bottle. Classy people.
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Big Zin blend with velvety black fruit. Touch of mixed spices. Needs decanting and has plenty of sediment. Think I will try to find a few more bottles since it seems to have plenty of aging potential.
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Should have decanted. For first two nights this had a hint of purple chemical taste that didn't work for me. Finally on night three it disappeared into what I expected. Plenty of sediment in last glass.
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Magenta in color. 14.4% ABV. 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro and 1% Alicante Bouschet. Savory, high-toned nose of red and black fruits, earthy loam and asian spices. Medium to full bodied with medium acidity. Ripe and jammy with a sense of elegance. Raspberry, boysenberry, licorice and black pepper on the palate. The long, delicious finish might be the best thing here. Drink over the next 4-7 years.
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Right now I sit on my padio, the Geyserville bottle on the table. A live tasting :-).
0.375 mL bottle, late Jun 2017: purple ink; medium legs; cassis and vanilla plus little raspberry, cherry and chocolate; medium body; round texture; certain acidity.
Currently I would rate this bottle with 91-92 points.
About half of the bottle is now consumed. I close the bottle with a stopper and will put it into the fridge. Tomorrow I'll continue.
Definitely a very nice wine, already good approachable.
Ok, now it's time. Put the bottle out of the fridge. In about an hour I'll continue to taste.
After approx. 24 h: color remained unchanged (what did you expect :-)?); the bouquet got even more intense, still some cassis, but now more blackberry and cherry, vanilla is present plus a hint of black pepper; the first impression in the mouth is the presence of alcohol, much more then yesterday; on the palate cherries and a little bit of chocolate; the body seems medium/full today; overall much more mellow with a polished, smooth texture.
What I miss is the freshness and the noble austerity from yesterday. So I rate this bottle 90-91 points today. Still one glass to go. If I change my mind or have something to add I'll let you know.
The story continues: I left the last glass in the bottle at room temperature. Now it's six days later after opening!
6 days after opening: purple ink; plenty of cherry aroma in the nose; in the mouth a dream of "Mon Chéri", I mean the chocolate confectionery with the cherry inside; medium/full body; soft, juicy texture.
The pleasure this wine gave was far from over. Actually six days after the bottle has been opened the wine shows better as after 24 hours. Would rate it again 91-92 points.
However, now the bottle is finally finished :-).
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39th Annual Zinfandel Retrospective - the 2012s (R&D's): Pepper, raspberry and herb notes. Somewhat tannic on the palate, with flavors of red and dark fruit. Opens nicely, with the fruit really coming forward with more air ad the tannins soften. Grapey raspberry fruit and fruit on the nose and palate. Balanced; long finish. 91-92 pts.
My #1, Domino's #1 Group #1, 37 pts
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I initially perceived a hit of oak. Good all around Zinfandel with balance. To me, it was a bit more extracted than the typical Geyserville. More ripeness, I like a little less and Ridge usually delivers.
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Fairly muted after PnP, but opened up a lot after 15-30 minutes. Juicy mid-palate of ripe plums, with lingering flavors of blackberry jam, licorice, and exotic spices. Soft and boozy mouthfeel.
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PNP. Dark red color. Brown sugar, molasses, sweet/sour cherry & brambly on nose. On palate, medium body, medium acidity & long finish. Palate consistent with nose - mid-palate was slightly hollow relative to prior tastings. I really enjoyed this - again. 91+
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Rich and harmonious fruit, with integrated alcohol. Good freshness prevents flabbyness. Loads of dark berries, liqourice, spice, floral notes and even a hint of marzipan. Length is medium +. Drinks very well now.
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Really needed at least 1.5 hours of decanting to open up. Overall, much improved relative to my prior tasting in 2015. Dark berries and spice notes dominate on the palate, followed by a sweet finish.
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"Big Red Fruity Wine Night" with my wine group. All the wines were opened about 45 minutes prior to pouring. We had in order, 2012 Ridge Geyserville, 2013 Jax Y3 Taureau, 2014 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard, 2010 Shafer Relentless, 2009 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch, and the 2009 Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham.
This might have been the group favorite. I know I liked it more than my previous 3 bottles. The extra year of bottle age seems to have helped it.
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Picked up weight and complexity. Ridge tasting room suggestion to leave it alone for a few years and see what happens. It got better. Very drinkable now. Not my favorite Geyserville but I like it much better than I did in 2015. Good fruit.
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14.4% abv. Dark ruby, very expressive aromas. Black cherry, boysenberry and bramble with a dollop of Zin spice and a bit of a tannic edge. This wine is in a great spot right now, but it will be even better in five years.
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Big Fruity Red Wine Night (Landmarc @ the Time Warner Center): I keep thinking that I liked previous vintages better, now I'm thinking I also like the current vintage of Ridge's Lytton Springs better. But still its a very good Zinfandel blend. Touches of black pepper on the first taste, and its not an overwhelming fruit bomb, it actually has some balance.
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The tannin doesn't seem especially resolved in this tasting - still an appreciable acidic sting on the tongue. This abates a little with Pizza. Like a year ago: "aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth, spice, hints of cinnamon and licorice. Fruit is ripe, intense and rich." Viscous in the mouth. Finish is longer than when last tasted. There is no rush to consume this Zin.
Black cherry is the dominant smell and flavor. Just a slight bit tart, but not sour. Rolling it around the tongue really amplifies the flavor. Big and bold. Nice and fruity.
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Good solid zin, with a little oak still showing and a fair amount of tannin. Straightforward at this point - I think the magic with this wine comes several years later. Recommend to hold and check in 3-5 years from now.
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A blend of Zinfandel (71%), Carignan (19%), Petite Sirah (7%), Mourvèdre (2%), Alicante Bouschet (1%). Macerated for 9 days. Fermented on natural yeasts. Aged for 13 months in American oak barrels (24% new, 25% 1-2 yo, 51% 3-4 yo).
Dark, moderately opaque cherry red color with slightly purple hue and pale, translucent rims. Rich, complex and sunny nose with aromas of aromatic Zinfandel spice, ripe and sweet dark berries, dark cherries and some fresh blackberries. Notes of dusty, cedary oak, sweet strawberries, some dark berry jam and a hint of baked plums in the background. Ripe, rich and round palate with good, balanced acidity. Ripe, succulent flavors of sweet red cherries, almost overripe blackberries, juicy plums, strawberry, some boysenberries, a little peppery spice, a hint of sweeter baking spice aromas and a touch of sweet American oak. A hint of alcohol (14,4%) warmth. Friendly, slowly gripping tannins give a bit of structure and some sense of density. Quite long, succulent and somewhat warm finish with flavors of ripe and sweet cherry, some boysenberry jam, a little peppery spice and a hint of cherry marmalade. A bit of tannic grip and a touch of creamy MLF nuances.
A sophisticated and balanced, yet still very primary Californian red blend. Tastes very ripe and fruit-forward with still a lot of complexity lingering hidden underneath all the ripe fruit. The oak seems to have integrated quite nicely, but the wine still needs to shed some of its baby fat to reach that lovely Geyserville complexity. A more enjoyable effort than the more heavily oaked and more Zinfandel-driven vintage of 2011, but not at the same level as the lovely 2010. Still, recommended and worth the 40,50€.
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Deep and silky looking, purple and ruby Nose began very perfumed, now coming into cooked fruits after 30 mins in glass. Red fruits, spice, alcohol, boisterous and young. Delicious but promising more. Keep for at least 2-3 years, but if you like them like this enjoy now... with a Montecristo as I am now.
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Suggestive of future greatness, but needs to sleep until 2020 (note the comments on the back label, which over a few decades of experience with Ridge wines, are quite accurate). Wine is in a dumb phase and needs to integrate. The '12 Lytton is more drinkable at present. Stressing that both Lytton and Geyserville are not usually instant gratification type wines. Give them some time and they will surprise you with lovely Bordeaux style nuances. The '12 Geyserville will be a great wine.
Agree with previous post from Opus2010: "Disappointing. Light in bouquet, flavor, and finish. I hope my other bottles turn out better." Not bad, just not very open or expressive at the moment, or for this bottle.
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My second bottle from a batch of six I bought direct from the winery. I still think its a bit hot and syrup-y. Not bad, I just have liked previous vintages better. This felt almost port like.
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Dark purple. Nose of caramel, blue and blackberry with lots of chocolate, vanilla. Rich and soft on the palate as you can expect from this sun loving varietal. Good freshness and balance. Aromatically pleasant but not very deep. I am not much of a Zin/Primitivo kind of guy but if you like it lush and ripe with still decent aromatics and a payable price, this is always a safe bet. Ridge is one of Americas leading high quality winery. 91-92
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Love the nose. Currant, smoke and leather. Slightly hot with cherries and blackberries dominating. Slightly peppery. Drying tannins that clean most everything up. Delightful food wine, somewhat thin on its own.
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Drank a glass in the Aria bar in Beijing. I don't have much experience with Zinfandel and honestly this isn't my style. I will give the admission that this had the aroma of a wine that was open 3-4 days. Big, rich, heavy wine, which bursts with blue and boysenberry flavor. Milky chocolate notes with a creamy oaked palate. This is a big wine and for me lacks freshness. It would probably work well with a big ribeye and salad at a BBQ. Drinking sooner rather than later. This is a well made wine, each to their own
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This wine is a mystery to me. It's perfectly enjoyable to drink, being one of the few wines that exhibits caramel as a primary character rather than secondary, but not much else stands out about it other than the fact that, for a change, black cherry is not evident is any significant way, if at all, which was kind of nice. This bottle takes no chances, has nice balance and soft tannins, and offers a certain "safe" enjoyment when paired with spicy chicken and potatoes, but for 45 dollars a bottle, I expect more, and so, would not buy again. In my opinion, there are other far more exciting wines to taste for less, most notably and recently, the 2012 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley, which you can pick up in the 30-35 dollar range. Note: this was a half-bottle. 88
I'm with Pat on this one. Expected that big brambly, jammy Ridge thing, but got something that was good but not great. Plum and sweet oak on the nose and palate. Characteristic round, long finish. Good tannic grip on the backend.
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I have no willpower. This is already my third bottle of a six pack, not to mention a few 375s that I have been through. The wine is still luscious with all the rich and focused fruit I expect in Geyserville, and is also starting to display more fine structure. This is very well put together, and where I once thought it would be a near to medium term wine, it is now starting to remind me more of the '97 and '99 which have aged beautifully and continue to shine. This may very well be a long ager.
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Eðalklúbbur, vínsmakk #2 haust 2015 (Marbakkabraut 12): Talsvert ljósara en fyrsta vínið. Í nefi leysiefni, brjóstsykur, sæta, eik (vindlakassinn). Í bragðinu mátti finna vanillu, eik, fenóla. Vínið er sýruríkt og kröftugt. Fín tannín. Í byrjun var þetta vín mjög sérstakt. Ég byrjaði á að gefa því 85-86. Lét það svo standa í glasinu nokkra stund þá var kominn allt annar bragur á vínið. Greinilegt að það er nauðsynlegt að umhella því. Græðir 3-4 punkta á því.
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Not what I expect from my first love. Need more bramble, chewy fruit and a sense of place. Too much new fruit? Too clean. Not interesting enough compared to previous vintages including 2011 that was incredible.
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Zinfandel tasting - no formal notes taken. Bright boysenberry character, dominated by Zinfandel, but the addl varieties seem to add a little more character. Moderate acidity and appeared a little "flabby". My personal 4th of five.
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2+ hours in the decanter. Appearance is a combinations of dark purple and dark ruby with very good legs. Getting smoky blackberries and plums with some menthol on the nose. Dark cherry liquer with some blackberries and some green herbs on the palate; bright and somewhat complex; tannins are apparent as well. Medium bodied with a medium+ finish. Definitely decant this for a few hours or try this again in 2-3 years.
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71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvedre & 1% Alicante Bouchet. Decanted, which at this point this wine needs at least 1 hour. Plenty of personality on the nose where the Carignan really makes its presence known. Strawberry preserves, dark cherry, baked plums, blueberry compote, roasted nuts, high quality cognac, a blend of pipe and cigar tobaccos, dried flowers and mahogany. On the palate rich flavors of dark cherry, baked strawberries and plums, tobacco, toasted nuts, dried leaves, wood, leather and light hints of dried flowers, spice and forrest floor. Good structure where the acid and tannins both ride the line between medium/medium-plus. The finish is long, dry and savory lingering on the nutty notes.
Personally really like the blend of Zin and Carignan, and overall this unique wine delivers.
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This is just so friendly. It's impressive for how drinkable it is. Maybe not a wine for decades of aging, but they do not all have to do that. I love the rich, plummy fruit, and there is sufficient structure to keep things in line. Just yummy. Should be fun drinking over the next 15 years or so. Can't ask for more than that.
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Deep purple with good legs. Plum, cinnamon and allspice on the nose. Jammy plum with concord grape on the palate with a hint of pepper leads to a nice smooth finish. Fairly complex with layers of fruit and tannin. Overpriced for the quality.
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Cellared since release, perfect cork and fill. Dark red to rim. Pop and pour, opens in an hour to show cherry, dark berries, and rich Forest earthiness. Medium body, ripe brambly fruits, fresh balancing acidity on the palate, medium long finish. Drinking really well with potential to improve. Excellent.
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Ridge Wine Night - 7 wines for 10 people - a disappointing wine for our group. The nose was muted and it tasted a bit hot from the alcohol. Not a bad wine, I just think prior vintages of Geyserville have been better.
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This was just OK for me. Quite dominated by dill and other oak flavors. Black fruit, smooth palate with some chewy tannins on the finish. Well put together as all ridge wines are, but couldn't get past the oak signature.
Much better on night 2 as the oak receded leaving smooth plush black fruits and a little spice. Quite nice. Much more tannic than I appreciated on night 1
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Last tasted 5 months ago. Pretty much the same as when last tasted, except the tannin seems much more resolved and softer; still a very slight acidic sting on the tongue, but not a detraction from appreciating the wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth, spice, hints of cinnamon and licorice. Fruit is ripe, intense and rich. Smooth in the mouth. A medium finish.
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Relative to the bottle I tried a year ago, this has become more accessible but not by much. It is definitely hard to resist enjoying it now, but there is so much to discover with more years of patience. Similar to other Ridge's blends, this one has an excellent backbone. The wine evolved with air, which it definitely needed upon opening. On the palate, deep fruit with dark berry notes, sufficient and balanced acidity, and remarkable dryness.
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Dark blackberries, heather, vanilla. Some anise and licorice. Juicy and long. No shit! Ideally I would leave this in the cellar for additional complexity, but it's sure hard to resist now.
Time is serving this well (as is an overnight sit in the bottle after opened). Plum and red raspberry blend with smoke and a touch of vanilla. Lush and smooth
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Decanted for 30 minutes before tasting. Dark purple core, pink rim. On the nose; blackberries, raspberries, mocha, cinnamon stick and vanilla-toffee. On the palate; ripe fruit, lots of dry extract, firm grip and good length. Bigger and brawnier than the Lytton Springs. While currently lacking its stablemate’s balance and sense of elegance, it might well end up as the better wine in the end. Definitely serviceable, but I suggest giving it the chance to settle down a little by letting it sleep for at least another two to three years (91-94 points).
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91+ better on night 2 (good with pizza but good with steak on night 2). Didn't take formal notes. Decant if drinking now. Would buy again. [edit] Retasted 4 nights later (left in cellar under vacu-vin) and still drinking well - very soft and red fruit dominant. Should age well.
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Ridge Tasting with Eric Baugher (State Line, Elkton MD): Dark ruby. Fantastic nose with elements of dark chocolate. Blackberry on the palate, terrific fruit, very concentrated. A lot of power here. Medium long finish, very good acidity. Classic Geyserville.
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Big, gawky Zin that needs a few years to show well. Do not PNp since the aroma is medicinal at first. Decanted last night and drank half w pizza, but it wasn't pleasant till after an hour. Tonight the rest of the bottle was very good but still rough to my taste. But toward the end...
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14.4% abv. Dark ruby. Loads of spice on the nose. Blackberry, black raspberry, bramble and spice dominate the palate. This wine, a notorious long-ager, is but a baby. Excellent now and will be better in a dozen years.
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Initially, the nose is a little closed, but opens as the wine warms from cellar temperature. Then, aromas of blackberry, black currant, earth, spice, hints of cinnamon and liquorice. Similar flavors. Tannins seem not to be totally resolved at this point. But, the fruit is ripe, intense and rich. Smooth in the mouth, but the tannin leaves a very slight acidic feeling on the tip of the tongue. A long finish. An excellent pairing with Polish Sausage.The effect of the tannin abates with the food. The wine has some time left before maturity. Score 92-93.
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Initial nose of port and plum that quickly became a wonderful aroma of baking spices. Could not identify a particular spice, but suggested Cinnamon, Alspice, Nutmeg and Clove. Behind that was some Cherry/Eucalyptus (Smith's cough drops but in a good way). Behind that a bit of cassis. Nose had a touch of lightness and perfume. Much of this came through in the mouth as well. Rich, balanced with some tannin and a long finish. Will buy another to drink near-term and a couple to lose in the back of the cellar. Structure to last.
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Black fruit on the nose/palate. Great acidity, full body, soft integrated tannins, moderate finish. Fresh, juicy, delicious wine, but not at all over the top or jammy - yum.
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Nose of dark fruit, plum and blueberry, more of the same on the palate, tasty, well integrated blend, went well with the Pork Tenderloin at One Market in SF, improved in the glass over the two hour dinner, 7 of the 8 voted it better than its companion the 2012 Ridge Petite Sirah, lots of fruit, big body, very tasty, long finish.
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2015 ZAP Trade Tasting. Nose of red cherry fruit, briar, allspice, mint, and smoke, more of the same on the palate, one of my favorite wines, everything is there and will improve for 3 to 5 years, easier to decant for 4 hours and enjoy now, medium/big body, slightly too fruit forward for me, long, flavorful finish and aftertaste.
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A really old wineyard - planted in 1882. Shit what a perfume! Port-like. And with a fine and grippy acidity. Probably the best wine during my Napa-tour...! =) Visit the winery if you have the possibility.
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Structure of pinot but with the flavors of zinfandel. Silky smooth and floats effortlessly over the palate. Red fruits with hints of licorice and spice. Clearly young and unevolved though - looking forward to trying this a few years down the road.
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PHMG WAG: Ridge Vineyards (Monte Lyon): May have been better on day 2. More balanced black fruit and earth notes than the previous wines in this tasting, more structure, and good length. Best 2017-19.
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Did not disappoint...Excellent. Fairly consistent with a number of other notes below - somewhat muted nose and takes an hour or so to open up. Decant would help... Once it opens, lots of dark berry fruit on the palate with various layers of complexity and a medium to long finish. Dense structure should evolve nicely over time. Delicious.
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Nose is a little more muted than what I normally have had with the top level Ridge zins, but much better on the palate. Some complex dark fruit things going one with a bit of black licorice.
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complex structure and the blend is just a work of art. the fruit is so decadent but there's an underlying tannic terroir thing that keeps it interesting.
im in love.
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This is a nice wine, those at dinner were interested. It has good complexity based on the abundance of varietals and with the petite and Zin driving the fruit profile it's well received by those enjoying a forward wine. Tannins were surprisingly supple after a 5 hour decant. Medium plus weight.
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Drank next to the 2012 Wind Gap Nellesen syrah and it surely created a contrast. I call out this other wine because I'm not certain whether the Wind Gap created the stark contrast or the Ridge is riper than I was expecting. The WG syrah was labeled at 12.0%, the Ridge at 14.4%. As I tasted the Ridge, I got some riper fruit tones and aromatics, along with cinnamon and dill. I suppose with the predominance of Zinfandel in the Ridge that the wine would be bigger boned and more forward so in that respect, it makes sense. I just seem to have a perception that with Ridge wines that I'd find less wood and forward fruit tones, something a bit more lower in the CA register.
Pop and pour. Tasted with food (an assortment of frikadellen, dried sausage, and chicken liver pate). Rich and robust with an elegance and roundness to the wine. I agree with the note: "Björnbär dominerar totalt." Yes, blackberries and good weight to the wine. I don't like to use the word in describing a wine but other folks tasting the wine with me repeated the word "smooth."
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Ung, finstämd balans. Björnbär dominerar totalt. Inget illa med det. Det finns en liten vaniljton men det är ganska primärt idag. Munkänslan är len och det är verkligen inbjudande. Ska tillägga att det långt ifrån syltigt eller hett. Geyserville presterar fantastiska viner, ivarje fall när dom görs av Ridge.
Opened nicely and stayed very enjoyable for a glass on day two. Wet prunes (this isn't a negative for me!!) and black pepper - with just hints of tobacco, cola and strawberry. A joy.
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Seemed a bit muted and perhaps lost among the holiday dishes, no detectable TCA but not up to last bottle, others seemed to like it fine but I preferred the Rieslings by a long shot.
Revisited the next day as almost half the bottle was left (so much for "others seemed to like it fine")...
But drunk on its own this is now showing more like a Geyserville should, with plenty of bramble fruits and good balance. The wine just must have been lost among all the intense Thanksgiving meal flavors.
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medium plum red, lots of clarity, ruby hue Nose: plum, clove, white pepper, black pepper, dark chocolate, touch tobacco, touch oak Pal: plum, clove white pepper, black pepper, dark chocolate, cola, vanilla, tobacco, touch oak Feel: medium Finish: medium T7
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Did not decant. Could have used it. More muted than I would have liked. Feels a bit more subtle and less unique than prior vintages but will need to confirm with proper decanting and day 2 tasting (if I ever manage to reach day 2).
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Schwarz-Rot Sehr dunkelfruchtig,viel Extrakt,wirklich würzig,leicht erdig,wenig Holz,Lakritze im Hintergrund, eine gewisse Fruchtsüsse,irgendwo eine frische Mentholnote,bisschen höher im Alk.was aber nicht stört,fleischig,dicht und doch ein langer leicht süsslicher, dunkelfruchtiger Abgang. Schwarzfruchtig,konzentrierter aber mit wirklich guter Balance. Irgendwie ideal zur Jahreszeit und auch zu Kaminfeuer.
Still very young. Needs to develop more subtly. Pleasant to drink, smooth but lack of fruit and complexity right now. Has potential. Drank with Lamb shanks.
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Dark red to rim. Needs an hour to open up, revealing loads of cherry, dark berry and mouth-watering savory elements on the nose with a bit of underlying earthiness and iodine. Medium body, ripe fruit with bramble, peppery notes and fresh balancing acidity on the palate, medium long finish with tannins showing through at the end. Should improve with a couple of years in the cellar but drinking really well now. Excellent.
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Orange peel, spice, vanilla, dark berries on the nose. Very full-bodied, powerful. Silky tannins. Young. Would buy again to cellar or to try pairing with grilled meats (sausage, burger, steaks).
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Very grapey at this point. Closed. Even after being open for almost 4 hours this isn't showing much. Blue/purple fruits. Floral. Fruity yet also restrained. Decent balance. Fine, sandpaper tannins on the finish.
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A young but lovely wine. Understands that 2012 is a great year, and this does not disappoint. Fresh nose and taste of rich spices and black berries, good balanced, but maybe a little young. Goas very well with lamb with port wine sauce. Looking forward to the next bottle!
Bought and tasted same day. Young but wide open, displaying the friendly sophistication that is the Geezer's hallmark. Good vintage! Been a long time since we luxed out with a baby Geeze; glad we did.
Vibrant California fruit with subtle graphite notes that wouldn't be out of place in Bordeaux. Attractive layer of savory flavors on the palate. Multi-dimensional and well made. Outstanding.
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A Visit to Ridge, Monte Bello Estate: This is better. If I'm going to drink a Zin from the Ridge line-up, Geyserville seems to be my best bet. Deep, dense and just a touch tangy style. Nose is of iodine, brambly mixed berry fruit, dark plums and cherry pie filling. The palate reveals a similar sensation to mixed seedy dark berries and an almost coulis sweetness, though the finish comes across a bit short, sadly. Alcohol is noted on the palate as a touch high.
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Always a pleasure. Much different compared to 2010 and 2011. Less intense on the fruit (apples in 2010 and 2011!). Less playful I would stay. Balanced with no excess of oak, acidity or alcohol. Very nice. More mature in a sense, just like the 2009. Loved it.
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Looking back at my previous tasting notes, I was far too critical of this wine. This really impressed. Perfectly blended zinfandel, with balanced tannins and fruit. Enjoyable flavors of cherry, blueberry, vanilla and plum. Will buy more.
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Ridge Vineyards with Doug, Jo, and Chad (Santa Cruz, CA): Re-tasting since the first bottle was oxidized. In the glass: Clear, bright, medium ruby, medium viscosity. Nose: Nice, youthful, fruit-forward med+ intensity nose of tart blueberry, jammy raspberry, cherry, hint of maraschino. In the mouth: tart, juicy, with strong raspberry and good structure. Med body, med+ alcohol, med+ acid. Very nice! 8+/9. Maybe the best Zin I've had?
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This was a replacement from Ridge for a corked 2006. I may well have traded-up here. Consumed over 3 days, and little changed over that time. Upon first sip it was obvious that a vinturi was needed. Two vinturi's and the tannins had calmed down some. Of course it still tasted very young, full of plum and red fruit. Very nice balance. I would like to see how this wine tastes in 5 years. 92+.
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This is an impressive Geyserville. Plenty of plummy, crushed berry fruit and zin spice. Good acid and firm but not overwhelming tannins. I like the overall balance, as it reminds me of the 1999 when that wine was young. Should cellar very well.
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Went into this with low expectations given a 2007 vintage of this wine that I enjoyed with ~ 4 years of bottle age. Cherry, briary, baking spice on nose. Similar flavor profile on palate + glycerin type texture (reminded me of a ripe CDP). Medium body, nice acidity (excellent with grilled chicken) and long finish. 92-93 range. Will buy more. I love the Ridge Monte Bellos so maybe I drank the '07 too young???
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Ridge Monte Bello tasting room June 29, 2014: Aromas of spice, medicinal herb, cassis, cherry. Similar on the palate with a little mineral and floral notes showing. Elegant style. Juicy acid. Fine tannin. Finishes full. Very nicely done.
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Tasted side by side with the 2008 and found this to be too young. This has an edge to it that should smooth out over time. Nice flavors and I finished it off with a pizza, which was a good pairing for this wine where it stands now.
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Lovely, rich, full bodied with elegant bouquet. Medium tannins, smooth and balanced. Lots of fruit, berries, with oak. A delicious blend, with mostly zin from a very good year
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Classic Geyserville. Slightly fumey but otherwise beautiful nose of bramble, blackberry, blueberry and other dark fruits, vanilla, with subtle hints of eucaplytus, celery and orange zest. Smooth and rich on the palate, with a long, Chambord-like finish. Ridge has perfected this recipe: you can pick up the carignane tang, dark notes and structure from petite sirah, and an earthy note (mourvedre?). Medium soft tannins. Just delicious. Curious to see how this rather feminine Geyserville fares in terms of ageability (the winemaker estimates up to 15 years). Happy to have 4 more bottles of this.
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ABV 14.4; mixed wild fruit, clean forest floor, well integrated oak and plenty of other je ne sais quoi stuff; more open knit/less of the brooding nature of some earlier vintages, but plenty of complexity and balance.
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Aroma: rich and creamy raspberry and vanilla with a touch of wood spice Palate: opens soft and velvety with rich raspberry and black cherry flavors. Develops a spicy note on the mid palate, along with more structure and tannin. Complex undertones of green pepper and herbs. Good now but should mature and develop with age.
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Almost black. Sweet blackberry nose. Dense blackberry, blueberry and vanilla flavor with a tart finish. Sensual rather than complex. This bottle seems never to disappoint and the 2012 is typical. Very good and a great match this evening for a sausage and eggplant pizza.
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Still young, dark & brooding. Denser & more layers of flavors than the 2008 which I tasted side by side, but has a lot of potential & reminds me of the 2009. Nose of black cherries, dates, cinnamon, candied ginger & anise. Dark flavors, layered with minerals & chalky notes. Classic Geyserville.
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Another great Geyserville. Bramble, red fruits, vanilla, black pepper. Just the slightest touch of oak to go with a minerally gravel and menthol. Medium plus to full body. Medium acid. Balanced and polished. Moderate length. For the vintage a surprisingly elegant to go with the juiciness and redder and lighter than the 2011.
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Very enjoyable. Violets in a glass. Not a bramble bruiser like many previous Geyserville's, more refined. Still a young wine. Bought four so far and will see how they develop over the next few years. The 1996 Geyserville is my favorite of all time.
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At the winery. Double decanted 2h ahead. This is a fieldblend of 70% Zinfandel and 19% Carignan and it's nowhere near as jammy or overdone as other Zins I have tasted. The aromas are full of fruit (black cherries), almost sweet but not overoaked in any way. The taste is fruity, pure and with ripe tannins. The mouthfeel is deceptively light despite the 14,5% alcohol. A great Zinfandel!
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Somewhat faint but intriguing aroma of menthol, black cherry and minerals with some cedar notes. Elegant and rather light bodied on the palate with bright cherry flavors, hints of baking spice, tobacco and graphite. Nicely balanced acidity and ripe tannin. Subtle and complex, somewhat reminiscent of Chianti Classico. Needs a few years to integrate and then should be excellent. Definitely a food-friendly wine.
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Tasted at Ridge Geyserville. Medium purple color. Beautiful nose of sweet cherries, sweet spices, red fruits. It' medium-full bodied with medium acidity and good length. Very accessible but structured Zin blend with great aromatic complexity. I usually drink the Geyserville younger and hold on to the Lytton Springs for a little longer. Beautiful Zin.
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4/14/2024 - markydecker Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still going strong. Fruit holding in, tertiary flavors blooming, beautiful acidity and Bordeaux nuances. As always, a delight to drink. Enjoyed with family on Masters Sunday. Solid 92, sadly my last bottle. Drink or hold. Delicious.
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1/28/2024 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Brought to E&K's for football. This bottle was drinking great. Still lots of fruit but very nice balance and smooth texture. Should drink well for a couple more years easily, but no need to wait
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12/9/2023 - drmarclevine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fantastic! Decanted to remove sediment. Slow to open but after about an hour the aromatics exploded with black plum, cola, creamy cloves, and even some drying spices like cumin. Racy and complex. Under-ripe red plums, melted licorice and a notable green herbal streak on the palette with a medium-long finish. Seems to be at the apogee of its development but will hold here for another 2-3 years. Great effort by the Ridge team.
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12/7/2023 - WetRock wrote:
This is barely passing out of it's primary phase yet. The oak is evident but there is a lot of rich fruit here yet. Long smoothness here. Light tannin lingering around to clean up the finish. Lots of berry character. Consistent overnight. This has a long way to go yet there isn't a lot of complexity. That could change if the oak integrates before the fruit completely passes out of it's primary phase. Somewhat majestic as is. What else would you expect from a Geyserville?
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11/12/2023 - Ed B Likes this wine: 91 Points
PnP. Agree with SOM DAVID. Love matures Zins.
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8/31/2023 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 93 Points
Another great Ridge. There is a bit of v/a - brettanomyces on the nose but the palate is solid. 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignane, 7% Petite Syrah, 2% Mataro & 1% Alicante Bouschet. This blend changes year to year but, the quantity is always solid. Once again, I’ve been at this a long time, but I have never opened a bad bottle of Ridge.
Ripe, juicy; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, boysenberries, raspberries over that hover over the top. Touch a black pepper, some black tar, dry crushed rocks, volcanic limestone minerals, dark, rich soils, pine tar, melted, dark chocolate, notes of herbaceousiness, moist clay, violets for days, caramel notes, vanillin, some lavender, amazing acidity with a well balanced, smooth structure/tension and a beautiful finish that lasts a full minute.
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8/17/2023 - Shiaxonna wrote: 90 Points
Intense, complex and fruit forward.
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6/9/2023 - maxmanx wrote:
PnP. Nice bottle but a little underwhelming. Will drink up remaining bottle.
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5/21/2023 - Thomas D Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice deep ruby color; nose was subdued red fruit; medium bodied with very mellow tannis; a distinct hit of candied rasberry and strawberry flavors. Stood up to BBQ chicken and tri tip. Drinking nicely though I’d drink it within the next couple of years.
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4/25/2023 - Ebrim Likes this wine: 90 Points
Short note - dark berries, blackcurrant, vanilla, pepper, dark cherries, at first alot of acetone, ut blew off after some time. Medium complex, long finish, quite concentrated, slight bitter in finish, very good quality, 90p
Drink nown and next 5 years
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11/11/2022 - SchlaepDog Likes this wine: 89 Points
Faded spicy red fruit along with a bit of oak. No signs of declining in a big sense, but seems to be taking on a more savory profile. Lots of structure left if you want to hold longer. Overall, relatively uninteresting and not memorable. Drink now - 2027.
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9/9/2022 - HTVinmann Likes this wine: 91 Points
5 years since last bottle. Lean, quite floral nose. Ripe black cherries, dark chocolate and forest floor. Surprising acidity, very smooth tannins. Great balance.
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6/3/2022 - AllRed wrote:
Post Golf Dinner w/Friends (EBCC): Popped and poured. Plum and black fruit notes dominate with a bit of weedy/vegetal brett influence in the background. Plummy dark fruit follows through on the palate, finishing with good length. There's a nice herbaceous undertone. Will continue to age, but there's no need to wait as it's in a nice place. A very good, but not great, Geyserville.
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6/1/2022 - markydecker Likes this wine: 92 Points
Purposely held 10 years as with all wines in my Geyserville and Lytton vertical. Perfect provenance and purchased directly from the winery. Amazing in that it still drinks young…no bricking or other signs of aging. Aromas of freshly tilled earth, Saddle leather, rose petals, crushed black fruits. Medium bodied with balanced acidity and mellow tannins. From 750, this popped but not decanted at dinner, sat in bottle for 30 minutes. Our crew drank it quickly and enjoyed the iconic Zin blend that is Geyserville. This has aged quite gracefully since my last bottle and still going strong.
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5/26/2022 - timewithwine wrote:
Oddly, nothing distinctive about this bottle; not my usual experience. Withholding comments until the next bottle is opened, this being the first 2012 Geezer that I've opened.
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4/29/2022 - maxmanx wrote:
PnP enjoyed by all! Still plenty of life.
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4/28/2022 - SeaWine Likes this wine:
Not entirely dissimilar to my last bottle in 2018, but a touch less ripe and slightly more complex, with no less acidity than I recall from last time, with the caveat my brain and memory are themselves older...
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4/11/2022 - foyfrcs Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep garnet.
Blackberry, cinnamon, leather nose.
Still a lot of dark fruits on the palate, together with earth/savoury flavours.
Continues to drink very well, although I don’t believe that it’s improved since 2020. Should be good for another 5 years.
14.5% abv 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan.
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2/5/2022 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine is still going strong! It has nice dark red fruits, including ripe plums, black tea, bramble, forest floor, maybe some garrique. It has a full mouthfeel and good complexity.
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2/2/2022 - depechemoroder Likes this wine: 92 Points
At the edge of middle age, this shows beautifully plump fruit with just enough freshness alongside some more interesting secondary characteristics. Glossy cherries, prunes, and figs, with some black tea, camphor, and cocoa. Round and creamy, but with some real acid backbone and fine tannins. Stately and showing its Italian pedigree, but with a character that is uniquely Ridge.
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1/28/2022 - EdKz@comcast.net Likes this wine: 91 Points
Purple, medium body, mild aromas of dark berries, medium/low tannins acids, opened up slowly over 2+ hours, medium finish
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1/23/2022 - wirelesswine wrote: 91 Points
I bought a bunch of these with the intention to age, but decided to check in on one now. I'm happy to report that the wine is drinking really well, and is crafted differently (better to my palate) than various recent ATP bottles I've opened. Specifically, the oak flavors are much better integrated and very well balanced against the dark berry fruit. Acid and tannin are roughly medium at this stage, and at 10 years of age this has probably lost some of the exuberance of its youth. I suspect that this wine still has some years ahead of it, holding and possibly even improving.
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1/21/2022 - StefanAkiko Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is a great youngling, just started to engage in shaking off its baby fat.
Excellent stature. Carrying itself beautifully!
A. loved it!
At Peco.
Currently, 1 more btl to go, will look for more.
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1/13/2022 - short and confused wrote:
In a great spot. I have found I like this in their youth and middle age. Often I have found that after about a decade, Geyserville loses some of the edges that make me love it. But this when is still beautiful! Very good value at $32.High toned. Black and blue fruit, licorice, cocoa, pepper and menthol. Pleasant mild acidity and softening tannin on the back dusting the mout. Some sweet fruit remains. Losing a bit of lift and structure but still lovely. One more left.
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1/2/2022 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 91 Points
Like my last bottle, this one still has nice dark red fruit, bramble, forest floor, and a very savory finish. But, I sense, at least with this bottle, that the fruit is starting to fade a bit and the alcohol seems to be more prominent.
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12/14/2021 - wabi47 Likes this wine: 91 Points
still with plenty of dark red fruit and bramble; the now more mature fruit still wins out
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11/27/2021 - forceberry wrote: 92 Points
A blend of organically farmed Zinfandel (71%), Carignan (19%), Petite Sirah (7%), Nourvèdre (2%) and Alicante Bouschet (3%) from the Geyserville vineyard in Alexander Valley. The harvest started on 17th of September and ended on 17th of October. Fermented spontaneously, macerated with the skins for 9 days. Six lots were macerated with a submerged cap, the remaining lots received pump-overs. Aged in American oak (24% new, 25% second and third use and 51% older) for 13 months. 14,4% alcohol. Tasted in a mini-vertical of Geyserville 2016, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Quite deep and dark ruby-red color that permits a little light through. Dark-toned and very slightly sappy nose with aromas of ripe dark plums and boysenberries, some blueberry tones, a little bit of something that reminds me of mustard, light sappy notes of stemmy greenness, a hint of savory oak spice and a faint leafy touch of birch leaves. The nose feels quite distinctive and rather singular in our vertical, exhibiting both dark-toned fruit aromas and subtly green-toned nuances. The wine feels ripe, juicy and moderately full-bodied on the palate with a taste that is slightly sweetish yet still dry and savory at the same tame. There are quite intense flavors of juicy plums and ripe forest fruits, some fresh bilberry tones, a little bit of black cherry, light oaky notes of vanilla and cedary wood spice, sweet hints of strawberry jam and almost overripe blackcurrants and a faint lifted touch of sweet VA. The overall feel is quite fresh and structured, thanks to the rather high acidity and moderately grippy medium-plus tannins. The finish is rich and juicy and some tannic grip and a pretty lengthy aftertaste of ripe blackcurrants and sweet, soft black cherries, some oaky notes of cloves, vanilla and other sweet baking spice, a little bit of spicy cedar character, a hint of boysenberry marmalade and a faint lifted touch of VA.
A tasty, firm and quite structured vintage of Geyserville that feels a bit similar to the 2016 vintage with its faint green nuances in the nose, but otherwise shows a bit more depth, complexity and integration. Age has definitely done nothing but good to this wine; it feels a bit more mature and harmonious than the 2016 that was tasted alongside it, and the wine has lost the subtly lactic undertones and some of its baby fat it exhibited when I tasted the wine the last time some 5 years ago. It is definitely on the right tracks, and while it is drinking pretty well at the moment, I can see it improving with further cellaring. A quite terrific, harmonious and promising vintage of Geyserville, this. Priced according to its quality at 40,50€.
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11/22/2021 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lots of dark red fruit, bramble, forest floor, and a very savory finish. It is very mature and quite enjoyable. There is absolutely no need to let this age further, in fact, I believe it is at its peak.
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11/18/2021 - winenoob101 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drank over 4 hours without decanting. On the nose bright dark red berries, big american oak, floral minty freshness and bit of that umami deepness that comes only with age. Its really elegant, though I feel the oak could use a few more years to integrate better.
Nice acidity, round tannins.
My first Ridge, not last for sure.
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9/11/2021 - gkentm Likes this wine: 93 Points
Minimal decanting. I tasted this wine with Argentinian beef and mushroom empanadas.
Dark crimson in appearance with no noticeable bricking. Nose of dark berries, baking spices and pink bubble gum dust. Tannins were round and acidity was moderate. Delicious on the palate with flavors of black berry, cinnamon, mint, graphite, river stones, chalk and licorice. Moderate finish. I believe this wine has another 7 to 10 years of enjoyable drinking ahead. Wow! The consistent level of high quality winemaking at Ridge is unwavering.
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8/9/2021 - asparagus Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really liked this. Such a balanced Zin, with great fruit yet with enough structure and acid to make one pause and appreciate this without chugging it down mindlessly. Drank over 3 days.
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8/8/2021 - Derek Darth Taster wrote: 92 Points
Pre-National Day drinks at Maison Dakota. Drank in Gabriel Standart.
Appearance is clear, deep intensity, purple colour. Legs.
Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of blackberries, boysenberries, crayons, candies, sweet spices. Developing.
On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.4%), smooth integrated medium+ tannins only, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of fresh meat, sweet spices, boysenberries, blackberries, peppery spices. Juicy long finish.
Very good quality. Still fresh and could last a few more years easily. But doesn't need more age to be appreciated.
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6/5/2021 - rbfleming Likes this wine: 91 Points
Earthy nose. Dark rich color. Plenty of acidity but not tannic. Apples, dark cherries. Woodsy.
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5/29/2021 - cweiss Likes this wine:
My first of these, pulled to compare with a 2012 Ridge Lytton Springs the previous week.They are quite different and my nod is to the GFeyserville. The fruit here is at this moment less rampant, though still considerable and delicious, and the wine is beautifully integrated. Seamless, balanced. It doesn't require grilled food or the like.
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5/28/2021 - maxmanx wrote:
J liked this more than the de Negoce N.06 Cab, which is surprising since she is a cab girl. But I think it's the age- acid in the background vs. the younger N.06 (2017).
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4/2/2021 - btock wrote: 90 Points
Silky smooth and ready to go. Lots of blackberry (surprise, surprise) and quite enjoyable. The bottle age had done well, but don't know that I would have liked it any better with further age. It's Zin after all, the fruit is the show. Mild chalky tannins, good from start to finish.
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3/28/2021 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lots of bramble, dark red fruits, and a full mouthfeel. It's very easy to drink and enjoy.
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3/16/2021 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 93 Points
I just opened this bottle and I have to say what a great Zin! Lots of bramble, dark red fruits, dried plums, and some savory notes. It still has some years ahead of it, but why wait?
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3/1/2021 - thoughtdujour wrote: 95 Points
This wine is pumping right now. Utterly balanced. Wow
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2/25/2021 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 90 Points
It is fully mature and has some bramble and dark red fruits. A very nice Zin.
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1/25/2021 - bravo.solares wrote: 91 Points
A bit forward and jammy for a Geyserville, but very good. Mature and ready to drink. Tannins integrated, oak integrated. Red and black fruits, hints of tertiaries, rich but not cloying. Food friendly if paired with the right foods. Worked wonders with homemeade pizza topped with peppers, sausage, and bits of fresh mozarella,
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1/16/2021 - soumamae Likes this wine: 94 Points
Rich dark berry, chokecherry, balanced acidity, chocolate, round finish
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12/18/2020 - wineshlub wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured. Rich black fruit aroma with a bit of bramble. Mutable mix of dark fruit flavors, subtle licorice in the finish.
Bold but nuanced flavors, firm backbone. Past the first blush of youth but still going strong. Absolutely marvelous.
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11/15/2020 - hankj wrote: 91 Points
CT drinking window says start drinking up, but this still has a lot of jammy freshness, at least from ideal cellar conditions. Nice tertiary aspects developing too, in fine balance with the primary. Probably will evolve pleasantly for 5 more years, but definitely not a mistake to drink now. In that time frame this will not get better as much as become different.
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10/29/2020 - cjsadler Likes this wine: 91 Points
I’m sure it has a few more years, but this shows a fair amount of mature notes. Dried berries and some lingering oak, with a very silky feel. Not the best Geyserville I’ve had, but delivers its usual goodness.
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10/3/2020 - sastewart wrote: 91 Points
Great balance, dark fruits and spice. Fully mature. 91 points.
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10/1/2020 - R Z Likes this wine: 92 Points
Black raspberry, blueberry, an initial touch of vanilla that receded to the background as the wine opened up. Still tasty on day 2. Purchased from winery on release. High-quality cork in fine condition. Drinking perfectly now without decant.
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9/6/2020 - Nanda wrote:
So fresh and seamless. Everything is in harmony with loads of flavor, spice and freshness.
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8/19/2020 - ohne_musik wrote: 92 Points
Yup. Aged geezer deliciousness. Rich red cherry/blackberry fruit, vivid florals, the beginnings of sous bois. Tannins still present but starting to integrate. Great energy and cut. Despite the waft of American oak and sweetness, it’s balanced and has finesse.
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7/6/2020 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
This one’s ready to roll without a decant. Creamy texture and that same bubble gum I picked up in the previous bottle. Lush with dark pitted fruits and a campfire finish. Went perfect with tonight’s grilled salmon because of its acid spine. Nicely done. Drink now to 2024. Worth Seeking Out.
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7/5/2020 - CWilliam wrote:
PNP
Black red color with a clear meniscus. Savory nose with dried cherry, sweet cherry and baking spice. Full body with good structure (medium acidity, low tannins) - palate consistent with nose. 91+/-
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6/19/2020 - mac-eye Likes this wine: 92 Points
This has evolved nicely since my previous bottle in March 2019. It is notably better, especially after an hour after decanting. It is 71% zinfandel, 19% carignane, 7% petite sirah, 2% mataro and 1% alicante bouschet. The non-zinfandel components are quite apparent and give it a darker, heavier body than a pure zin, and they require more time to age sufficiently. Finally, at 8 years of age, it is ready to drink. Hard to predict when it will start to fade; a few years at least. Once it has opened up, it's hard to put it down.
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6/10/2020 - Filler Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great structure! Wonderful fruit!
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5/30/2020 - foyfrcs Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep ruby. Dark fruits, plums, black cherries on the nose.
Decanted 2-3 hours before drinking.
Jammy, maybe some dried fruits.
I think this will still improve in the future.
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5/29/2020 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still lots of fruit left. My last bottle of this vintage.
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5/22/2020 - thestuer Likes this wine:
3rd bottle in past year. Initial pour, flat nose and a bit of a fortified mouth feel (a touch of VOC? did I wait too long to open?). Opened a 2nd bottle and wow that's the wine I remember. Really drinking well now.
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3/7/2020 - pmjordan Likes this wine: 100 Points
Amazing
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3/7/2020 - Twinkles wrote: 92 Points
Nice evolution here. Opens up port-like then smooths out over time to reveal berries and a hint of spice. Round tannins, earth on the finish which is a bit short.
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2/12/2020 - pigdaddy wrote: 90 Points
decanted 30 min. more than correct Geyserville, but not my favorite example. no nits, exactly as expected; fruit is more on the plum spectrum, spice cake, dusty, tannins a tad disjointed. tend to like these at 8+ years, so will re-evaluate. worked well w/food, which is always a bonus.
shaksusa w/spanish chorizo, sheep's milk feta
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2/9/2020 - rahul_d_chatter@yahoo.com Likes this wine: 89 Points
Solid Zinfandel blend from the much lauded Ridge vineyards. Definitely a powerful wine. Full bodied goodness. Notes of dark berries, tobacco, spices, wood. Medium+ finish. I would not call this a memorable wine, but certainly a solid, enjoyable wine, specially when accompanied with red meat.
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1/17/2020 - thesternowl Likes this wine: 92 Points
This has been resting in my cellar since release and figured this might be ready to go on the pop and pour. I was wrong. Please don’t misunderstand, it’s a treat to drink, it’s just still very young. So much so, in fact, that it took three days to really begin stretching its legs. Well endowed with fruit, I wouldn’t try again for at least another couple of years. I expect it will probably drink very well for another 10-12 years.
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1/13/2020 - Kahnru12 wrote: 89 Points
very pleasant still, but not much brightness. No distinguishing flavors in spite of the array of varietals. Probably a little past its prime.
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12/24/2019 - Zorg wrote:
Hmm. Opened the bottle I coravined a 92 p glass from two weeks ago and was not as good now.
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12/21/2019 - jgreco wrote: 91 Points
The 2012 Ridge Geyserville features elegant bramble fruit, star anise, and cloves. While well done, this is a particularly juicy vintage for Geyserville that isn’t my favorite style of Zinfandel. The finish is sweet and syrupy. I would drink these now and over the next few years.
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12/18/2019 - IlonaN wrote: 88 Points
Not as full or rich as I expected it to be. Nice berry and toast flavors but a touch dilute in the midpalate.
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12/13/2019 - Zorg wrote:
Coravin. Wow, didn´t expect that, one of the best Ridge I had. 92 p. Ready to go.
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12/8/2019 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for sediment (recommended) Deep purple center to the edge. Dark cherry, black currents at first with some bright red fruit to follow. As time went on, a little spice. Began with rich, red fruit, tasting like a good, well-aged cab. A bit of oak prominent to start. Long finish with lingering Zin flavors. As this opened up (over 2 hours) it developed into a classic Geyserville with baking spice/zin profile. This is a real beauty just coming into its own. Drink (with decant) or hold as usual. 71% Zin, 7% Petit Sirah, 2% Mouverdre and 1% Alicante Bouchet.
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11/25/2019 - bk2019 Likes this wine: 85 Points
bigger than anticipated given blend
not quite as smooth as I hoped
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11/9/2019 - BHRH Likes this wine: 92 Points
tall, brawny sweet fruit slams you in the face. Not a wimpy wine (as Ravenswood might say :)). Superlative, deep zin-based fruit with the other varietals adding nuance and complexity. Really well structured. not overly sweet
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10/13/2019 - AllRed wrote: 88 Points
Second Sunday Group: Ridge Geyserville Vertical (2008-2015) (R&D's): Double blind. Deep purple garnet color. Aromas of mixed fruit and violet with a bit of alcoholic heat too. Tannic; dark fruit on the palate. Raspberry/black raspberry notes as it opens, with more of the same on the palate. Structured; good.
My #4, Domino's #4
Group #4, 44 pts
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10/12/2019 - vino vidi vici Does not like this wine:
Even after 7 years, this wine is still far too sweet... like cough syrup. Disappointing. I expect more from Ridge.
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10/8/2019 - MRichman wrote:
In a great place, still has its youthful power and vitality but has mellowed. Dark plum, tobacco, bergamot, vanilla. Strong, powerful wine but has a feminine side. Excellent. Drinking great now, will hold for a long time but might start to shed its youth and move on to the next phase soon.
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8/7/2019 - MLipton wrote:
Classic Geezer: rich, plummy fruit, acidity enough to balance, harmonious, tarry, earthy, and fun to drink.
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7/28/2019 - ajbergren wrote: 93 Points
Dark, rich ruby red with medium plus to high optical density and high reflectivity. Strong intensity of aromas with a southern Rhone flair, with aromatics (floral and balsamic) on top of some dark fruits (blackberries, plums, and some cassis. There are also some spices in there, including caraway, along with some molasses sweetness and dusty crushed nuts. A bit of toasted tobacco on the back end. Very interesting nose for sure, decent complexity and some definite vinous character. The palate is full bodied and broad, with a bright medium acidity and integrated tannins that are strong in intensity, but just act to spread the density of the wine across the palate. Very nice overall mouthfeel, with density and concentration that shows heft, but a balanced and elegant weightiness. Flavours of dark fruits on the attack, with blackberry, mixed dark berry jam, and some spicy cassis. The intensity just picks up from there through the midpalate, bringing plums that seem soaked in molasses and some more herbal spices. A dark set of flavours that is light and almost sticky sweet, but yet is savoury and interesting. the finish is of warm light jammy fruit and some red and black licorice, and shows medium length. Overall, really good intensity and impressive complexity- evolves on the palate nicely, and shows a honest and pure expression of wine. Not overly sweet, but definitely packed with fruit and interesting ages character.
This is really excellent wine- showing a fun and zesty Zin blend that is made to show the vineyard up front. In a very nice spot at the moment, this provides a sense of the traditional old world (i.e., Southern Rhone) in a package that is fresh and fun. Interesting and thought-provoking at this stage, just totally enjoyable. Outstanding, a style that I love and at a stage that is just beautiful!
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7/28/2019 - CWilliam wrote:
Tasted with a 2010 Chateau Sixtine CDP.
Didn't note color. On nose, briary scent with cherry, bing cherry and touch of baking spice. On palate, all-spice, sweet cherry fruit, dark cherry and touch of tobacco. medium body, medium+ acidity, medium tannins and long finish - I really enjoyed this and it didn't taste out of place next to the CDP.
92+/- A Zinfandel for Bordeaux drinkers.
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7/7/2019 - short and confused wrote: 92 Points
Very high toned. Black and blue fruit, licorice, cocoa, pepper and menthol. This is acidic driven in the mouth with some tannin on the back dusting the mouth but still with some sweetness. Lots of lift and structure. Really good.
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6/7/2019 - greedy wrote: 94 Points
Outstanding. Long silky smooth. Tannins old world like. Not your typical zin.
Lots of sediment so decant needed.
Ridge just makes quality wines all the way down the line.
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5/6/2019 - poppacork Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wow, this bottle was very tight and youthful. Cork was perfect and there was a fair bit of tartrate crystal buildup on the bottom of the cork.
Drank like a very young geyserville. Lots of palate drenching blackberry bramble and structure.
My other bottles of 2012 have been much more advanced with the associated softening and complexity. I wish I’d saved this one for the future. 91+
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3/23/2019 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 92 Points
14.3% abv. Dark ruby, expressive aromas. Ripe plum, black cherry, pomegranate and a bit of dark chocolate on the palate. Excellent intensity, depth and length. This adolescent Geyser is just entering its time to strut.
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3/17/2019 - timbobwhite wrote: 92 Points
One hour decant for a bit of sediment. Everything in balance here. Fruit forward with characteristic baking spice nose, red and black fruit layered beneath. Could have passed for an older cab. Oak still present but not intrusive. Rich, round flavors and a nice, long finish. I still hesitate at the cost to buy these, rarely do I regret it when I drink them later. This has long life ahead yet.
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3/9/2019 - maxmanx wrote:
I can see where many people would get pleasure from the fruit forward nature of this wine at this time, but I'd rather try it again with some more age. This thing has LOTS of life left.
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3/9/2019 - ajbergren wrote: 91 Points
Dark red with some brownish-purple hue, with medium plus optical density and reflectivity. Aromas are intense and somewhat vinous, with sage brush, forest floor, aromatic flowers, and dark plum fruit. Full bodied on the palate with medium plus acidity, and a very plush mouthfeel, with well-integrated tannins. Feels dense and yet not at all syrupy. Concentrated with flavours though! The attack leads off with dark fruits and brush, with is augmented with some spicy notes of black pepper by midpalate. Some level of richness here, but very vinous and elegant in character, so harder to put specific identifiers here. Very delicious. The finish shows green olive and a twist of balsamic after a final transition of leather and cedar, providing for a nice finish that is medium in length and with dried leather.
Very nice Zin blend here with some definite aged character. This has a lot of old-world elegance and style, with a certain understated presence. Everything seems to have blended together to provide for a consistent, balanced, and smooth wine that comes across as thoughtful and interesting, but you have to work with it- savour and enjoy. Really feels like a well-made Rhone wine in many ways, I would be likely to pick Southern Rhone if blind. I would think this is ready to drink now, I'm not sure I'll hold my other bottle much longer. Beautiful wine that is a pure pleasure to drink!
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3/8/2019 - Miceri Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium red; fresh fruit, light licorice; in a very nice spot, smooth and elegant, raspberry, a little tannic nap at the end and also drying up a bit in the aftertaste; would drink up now; nice
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2/15/2019 - PNIELSEN Likes this wine: 92 Points
Our last bottle of this was right in the zone for my palate. It is rich and smooth, with just a whisper of tertiary nuances starting to emerge. I recommend allowing the bottle to sit upright for a day or so before decanting, as it does throw a good amount of sediment.
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2/14/2019 - Eric B Likes this wine: 92 Points
Full, rich, balanced, slightly aged character. This is always an amazing Zin blend, and it was perfect with dry-aged steak, blue cheese, & mushrooms.
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12/30/2018 - gukarl wrote: 91 Points
Solbær og eukalyptus på duft. Lite tanniner igjen og flott vin med en del sødme igjen i frukten.
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12/25/2018 - rama Likes this wine:
On the fuller and riper side, plenty of bramble, perhaps my imagination but I thought its still showing plenty of oak. While 2012 wasn't my favorite year, this wine was fine and reminds me that I really should be buying Geyser every year.
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11/21/2018 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 92 Points
Had this with my wine group at a Turkish restaurant. It was a great match for the food. Enjoyed by all, about half of us had it as their WOTN. Dark color, medium-long finish. Spice notes on the nose.
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11/15/2018 - ifishtoo wrote: 93 Points
First of a case. The only wine we have ever had from Ridge that we didn't like was one that was corked. Bottle bouquet is getting fantastic. Smooth and balanced on the palate with nicely developing characteristics that only come with age.
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11/12/2018 - Eatmypixels Likes this wine: 93 Points
Perfect bottle for me. Fruit. Earth. Long finish. Had with tender steak. Great match. Also sipped beforehand. 6 years old and can go longer. Fun
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11/10/2018 - appel54 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Mörk färg
Svarta oliver, kärvt, lite torkade bär
Stram, torr, ganska bra längd
Sista vinet för kvällen så sensoriken var något stukad. Jag hade inga gissningar på en zinfandel. Ett väldigt roligt vin som jag gärna provar igen.
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10/26/2018 - Bob H wrote:
Like blackberry jam on the nose.
Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with ripe blackberry fruit. Decent persistence, but a little deficient in acidity for this taster. That said, balanced and enjoyable if not quite in my sweet spot.
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9/9/2018 - poppacork Likes this wine: 92 Points
Love the 2012 Geyserville. Very perfumed blackberry and bramble with great structure and acidity. There’s also a slight apple cider note that adds to the complexity.
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9/5/2018 - Slaz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nearly 20% Carignan makes this distinct and interestingly different from most other good Zin blends from Sonoma and Napa. Seems to be in a good place right now (relative to my prior tastings in '15 and '17) but with plenty of life and further evolution ahead.
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6/18/2018 - beekeeper wrote: 91 Points
Smooth and balanced, nice fruit, not jammy. Not sure this will gain much in complexity to make it one of the great Geyservilles but it is a legit one and darn tasty. Superb with upscale bbq.
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5/25/2018 - greedy wrote: 93 Points
Really good. Well balanced cali fruit with great acidity. Guessing this is due to elevation in this area??
Long silky smooth finish with round chewy tannins.
This wine is drinking very well right now. Alcohol is well hidden.
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5/11/2018 - glou.sf Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark fruit, plum, dark berries, lavender and menthol on the expressive nose. Medium, soft tannins with black berry jam, plum, and spices on the palate. Very long, lingering finish. Wife: 92
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3/30/2018 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
A touch of bubble gum and tar with some heat upon first opening. But settles into a lovely place in the first hour, with gobs of blackberries, bright cherries and ripe strawberries. Peekaboo tannins that come and go. Medium to full-bodied with a lusty long finish. I might wait on future bottles to see if the tannins integrate. Drink 2020-2028. (����= Worth Seeking Out)
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1/13/2018 - PNIELSEN Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is a beautiful vintage for this wine which is coming along nicely. Drinking really well now, although be sure to set the bottle upright for a day or two and then decant as it is throwing a fair amount of sediment.
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12/30/2017 - brigcampbell wrote:
This was decent. Required a bit of time to open up, initially a touch harsh. I guess I'm moving out of my Geyserville phase as the last 3 bottles from differing vintages we just decent. That's okay. Paired with a grilled pork rack with Steve's secret dry rub.
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12/23/2017 - PNIELSEN wrote: flawed
Unfortunately this bottle was dominated by a pungent acetone-like smell that made the wine undrinkable. To Ridge's credit, they are replacing the bottle. Classy people.
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11/25/2017 - spicy1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big Zin blend with velvety black fruit. Touch of mixed spices. Needs decanting and has plenty of sediment. Think I will try to find a few more bottles since it seems to have plenty of aging potential.
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9/21/2017 - BobMilton Likes this wine: 92 Points
Typical Geyser - nice black fruit on the palate, with complexity from the other varieties.
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9/7/2017 - EMTAME wrote: 91 Points
Still a little too young for my tastes, but has a nice future ahead.
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8/27/2017 - glou.sf Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark fruit, violets, plums, and pepper on the nose. Well integrated tannins with more dark fruit, plum jam, and herbs on the palate. Nice finish.
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8/14/2017 - Hargate Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful wine. Tasted well right out of the bottle and even better 2 hours later. A classic Ridge
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8/1/2017 - spicy1 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Should have decanted. For first two nights this had a hint of purple chemical taste that didn't work for me. Finally on night three it disappeared into what I expected. Plenty of sediment in last glass.
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7/20/2017 - tomlee wrote: 91 Points
Magenta in color. 14.4% ABV. 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro and 1% Alicante Bouschet. Savory, high-toned nose of red and black fruits, earthy loam and asian spices. Medium to full bodied with medium acidity. Ripe and jammy with a sense of elegance. Raspberry, boysenberry, licorice and black pepper on the palate. The long, delicious finish might be the best thing here. Drink over the next 4-7 years.
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6/30/2017 - Fatty Cat wrote: 91 Points
Right now I sit on my padio, the Geyserville bottle on the table. A live tasting :-).
0.375 mL bottle, late Jun 2017: purple ink; medium legs; cassis and vanilla plus little raspberry, cherry and chocolate; medium body; round texture; certain acidity.
Currently I would rate this bottle with 91-92 points.
About half of the bottle is now consumed. I close the bottle with a stopper and will put it into the fridge. Tomorrow I'll continue.
Definitely a very nice wine, already good approachable.
Ok, now it's time. Put the bottle out of the fridge. In about an hour I'll continue to taste.
After approx. 24 h: color remained unchanged (what did you expect :-)?); the bouquet got even more intense, still some cassis, but now more blackberry and cherry, vanilla is present plus a hint of black pepper; the first impression in the mouth is the presence of alcohol, much more then yesterday; on the palate cherries and a little bit of chocolate; the body seems medium/full today; overall much more mellow with a polished, smooth texture.
What I miss is the freshness and the noble austerity from yesterday. So I rate this bottle 90-91 points today. Still one glass to go. If I change my mind or have something to add I'll let you know.
The story continues: I left the last glass in the bottle at room temperature. Now it's six days later after opening!
6 days after opening: purple ink; plenty of cherry aroma in the nose; in the mouth a dream of "Mon Chéri", I mean the chocolate confectionery with the cherry inside; medium/full body; soft, juicy texture.
The pleasure this wine gave was far from over. Actually six days after the bottle has been opened the wine shows better as after 24 hours. Would rate it again 91-92 points.
However, now the bottle is finally finished :-).
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6/11/2017 - Dmiller3 wrote: 90 Points
Liked this a bit more than the Lytton springs. A bit bolder, but with smooth edges. In the drinking zone I would not wait much more
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5/25/2017 - greedy wrote: 93 Points
Gave this a 6 hour decant. Really nice. High acidity and warm alcohol on the throat. But well balanced. Long finish. Not jammy.
Solid wine. Better at room temp than at cellar temp.
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5/20/2017 - AllRed wrote: 91 Points
39th Annual Zinfandel Retrospective - the 2012s (R&D's): Pepper, raspberry and herb notes. Somewhat tannic on the palate, with flavors of red and dark fruit. Opens nicely, with the fruit really coming forward with more air ad the tannins soften. Grapey raspberry fruit and fruit on the nose and palate. Balanced; long finish. 91-92 pts.
My #1, Domino's #1
Group #1, 37 pts
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4/27/2017 - dlduchon Likes this wine: 89 Points
I initially perceived a hit of oak. Good all around Zinfandel with balance. To me, it was a bit more extracted than the typical Geyserville. More ripeness, I like a little less and Ridge usually delivers.
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4/22/2017 - Tobinski wrote:
Fairly muted after PnP, but opened up a lot after 15-30 minutes. Juicy mid-palate of ripe plums, with lingering flavors of blackberry jam, licorice, and exotic spices. Soft and boozy mouthfeel.
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4/16/2017 - CWilliam wrote:
PNP. Dark red color. Brown sugar, molasses, sweet/sour cherry & brambly on nose. On palate, medium body, medium acidity & long finish. Palate consistent with nose - mid-palate was slightly hollow relative to prior tastings. I really enjoyed this - again. 91+
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3/16/2017 - HTVinmann Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rich and harmonious fruit, with integrated alcohol. Good freshness prevents flabbyness. Loads of dark berries, liqourice, spice, floral notes and even a hint of marzipan. Length is medium +. Drinks very well now.
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2/24/2017 - Slaz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really needed at least 1.5 hours of decanting to open up. Overall, much improved relative to my prior tasting in 2015. Dark berries and spice notes dominate on the palate, followed by a sweet finish.
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2/15/2017 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 91 Points
"Big Red Fruity Wine Night" with my wine group. All the wines were opened about 45 minutes prior to pouring. We had in order, 2012 Ridge Geyserville, 2013 Jax Y3 Taureau, 2014 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard, 2010 Shafer Relentless, 2009 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch, and the 2009 Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham.
This might have been the group favorite. I know I liked it more than my previous 3 bottles. The extra year of bottle age seems to have helped it.
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2/3/2017 - Birorganic Likes this wine: 90 Points
Picked up weight and complexity. Ridge tasting room suggestion to leave it alone for a few years and see what happens. It got better. Very drinkable now. Not my favorite Geyserville but I like it much better than I did in 2015. Good fruit.
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1/27/2017 - bags wrote:
delicious, even for wine geeks. what else is new?
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12/2/2016 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 93 Points
14.4% abv. Dark ruby, very expressive aromas. Black cherry, boysenberry and bramble with a dollop of Zin spice and a bit of a tannic edge. This wine is in a great spot right now, but it will be even better in five years.
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11/19/2016 - Twinkles wrote: 90 Points
Wow. Delicate nose. Wonderful acidity that makes it feel refreshing. Love it.
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11/13/2016 - FransS wrote: 89 Points
Lots of fruit, juicy, at the end a touch of sweetness.
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11/13/2016 - Pebben wrote: 92 Points
See previous note – still early days, but beginning to settle down nicely.
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10/6/2016 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
See prior notes.
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10/4/2016 - Insouciantone wrote: 90 Points
Mellow. Even. Seemed a bit recessive compared to other GV that I've had.
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9/14/2016 - Opus2010 wrote: 91 Points
wow, just delicious Zin with duck and steak at Jardiniere in SF. Not overpowering but great finish.
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9/11/2016 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 90 Points
Big Fruity Red Wine Night (Landmarc @ the Time Warner Center): I keep thinking that I liked previous vintages better, now I'm thinking I also like the current vintage of Ridge's Lytton Springs better. But still its a very good Zinfandel blend. Touches of black pepper on the first taste, and its not an overwhelming fruit bomb, it actually has some balance.
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8/28/2016 - kcp Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent, reliable, reasonably priced wine. Consistently good.
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7/3/2016 - BigTex22 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still showing some oak, but knitting together. Should be fantastic in 3-5 years. Nice geyser.
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6/26/2016 - Opus2010 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Much better the 2nd time around
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6/17/2016 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
The tannin doesn't seem especially resolved in this tasting - still an appreciable acidic sting on the tongue. This abates a little with Pizza. Like a year ago: "aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth, spice, hints of cinnamon and licorice. Fruit is ripe, intense and rich." Viscous in the mouth. Finish is longer than when last tasted. There is no rush to consume this Zin.
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5/26/2016 - BaronsPaw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Black cherry is the dominant smell and flavor. Just a slight bit tart, but not sour. Rolling it around the tongue really amplifies the flavor. Big and bold. Nice and fruity.
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4/8/2016 - dbg wrote:
Very good-excellent.
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3/20/2016 - BigTex22 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good solid zin, with a little oak still showing and a fair amount of tannin. Straightforward at this point - I think the magic with this wine comes several years later. Recommend to hold and check in 3-5 years from now.
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3/11/2016 - forceberry wrote: 92 Points
A blend of Zinfandel (71%), Carignan (19%), Petite Sirah (7%), Mourvèdre (2%), Alicante Bouschet (1%). Macerated for 9 days. Fermented on natural yeasts. Aged for 13 months in American oak barrels (24% new, 25% 1-2 yo, 51% 3-4 yo).
Dark, moderately opaque cherry red color with slightly purple hue and pale, translucent rims. Rich, complex and sunny nose with aromas of aromatic Zinfandel spice, ripe and sweet dark berries, dark cherries and some fresh blackberries. Notes of dusty, cedary oak, sweet strawberries, some dark berry jam and a hint of baked plums in the background. Ripe, rich and round palate with good, balanced acidity. Ripe, succulent flavors of sweet red cherries, almost overripe blackberries, juicy plums, strawberry, some boysenberries, a little peppery spice, a hint of sweeter baking spice aromas and a touch of sweet American oak. A hint of alcohol (14,4%) warmth. Friendly, slowly gripping tannins give a bit of structure and some sense of density. Quite long, succulent and somewhat warm finish with flavors of ripe and sweet cherry, some boysenberry jam, a little peppery spice and a hint of cherry marmalade. A bit of tannic grip and a touch of creamy MLF nuances.
A sophisticated and balanced, yet still very primary Californian red blend. Tastes very ripe and fruit-forward with still a lot of complexity lingering hidden underneath all the ripe fruit. The oak seems to have integrated quite nicely, but the wine still needs to shed some of its baby fat to reach that lovely Geyserville complexity. A more enjoyable effort than the more heavily oaked and more Zinfandel-driven vintage of 2011, but not at the same level as the lovely 2010. Still, recommended and worth the 40,50€.
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2/16/2016 - wabi47 Likes this wine: 91 Points
lush mixed wild berry and garrigue; all about the fruit; nice balance and can easily age; still my fave match with Zachary's deep dish.
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2/7/2016 - barolo300 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep and silky looking, purple and ruby
Nose began very perfumed, now coming into cooked fruits after 30 mins in glass.
Red fruits, spice, alcohol, boisterous and young. Delicious but promising more.
Keep for at least 2-3 years, but if you like them like this enjoy now... with a Montecristo as I am now.
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2/4/2016 - markydecker Likes this wine: 90 Points
Suggestive of future greatness, but needs to sleep until 2020 (note the comments on the back label, which over a few decades of experience with Ridge wines, are quite accurate). Wine is in a dumb phase and needs to integrate. The '12 Lytton is more drinkable at present. Stressing that both Lytton and Geyserville are not usually instant gratification type wines. Give them some time and they will surprise you with lovely Bordeaux style nuances. The '12 Geyserville will be a great wine.
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2/1/2016 - marshalc wrote: 88 Points
Agree with previous post from Opus2010: "Disappointing. Light in bouquet, flavor, and finish. I hope my other bottles turn out better."
Not bad, just not very open or expressive at the moment, or for this bottle.
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1/31/2016 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 89 Points
My second bottle from a batch of six I bought direct from the winery. I still think its a bit hot and syrup-y. Not bad, I just have liked previous vintages better. This felt almost port like.
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1/26/2016 - Opus2010 wrote: 88 Points
Disappointing. Light in bouquet, flavor, and finish. I hope my other bottles turn out better.
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1/24/2016 - dbg wrote:
Drinking really well. Excellent.
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1/12/2016 - Collector1855 wrote: 91 Points
Dark purple. Nose of caramel, blue and blackberry with lots of chocolate, vanilla. Rich and soft on the palate as you can expect from this sun loving varietal. Good freshness and balance. Aromatically pleasant but not very deep. I am not much of a Zin/Primitivo kind of guy but if you like it lush and ripe with still decent aromatics and a payable price, this is always a safe bet. Ridge is one of Americas leading high quality winery. 91-92
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12/24/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
consistent with notes of 6/10/2015
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12/21/2015 - Ecb1456 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Love the nose. Currant, smoke and leather. Slightly hot with cherries and blackberries dominating. Slightly peppery. Drying tannins that clean most everything up. Delightful food wine, somewhat thin on its own.
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12/19/2015 - Tobysplanet wrote:
More of a 93 point wine.
An utter bargain for £33
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12/12/2015 - BigJ wrote:
Drank a glass in the Aria bar in Beijing. I don't have much experience with Zinfandel and honestly this isn't my style. I will give the admission that this had the aroma of a wine that was open 3-4 days. Big, rich, heavy wine, which bursts with blue and boysenberry flavor. Milky chocolate notes with a creamy oaked palate. This is a big wine and for me lacks freshness. It would probably work well with a big ribeye and salad at a BBQ. Drinking sooner rather than later. This is a well made wine, each to their own
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12/6/2015 - stschutz wrote: 88 Points
This wine is a mystery to me. It's perfectly enjoyable to drink, being one of the few wines that exhibits caramel as a primary character rather than secondary, but not much else stands out about it other than the fact that, for a change, black cherry is not evident is any significant way, if at all, which was kind of nice. This bottle takes no chances, has nice balance and soft tannins, and offers a certain "safe" enjoyment when paired with spicy chicken and potatoes, but for 45 dollars a bottle, I expect more, and so, would not buy again. In my opinion, there are other far more exciting wines to taste for less, most notably and recently, the 2012 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley, which you can pick up in the 30-35 dollar range. Note: this was a half-bottle. 88
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12/4/2015 - vino_per_tutti wrote: 88 Points
I'm with Pat on this one. Expected that big brambly, jammy Ridge thing, but got something that was good but not great. Plum and sweet oak on the nose and palate. Characteristic round, long finish. Good tannic grip on the backend.
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11/28/2015 - Rieslingfan wrote:
I have no willpower. This is already my third bottle of a six pack, not to mention a few 375s that I have been through. The wine is still luscious with all the rich and focused fruit I expect in Geyserville, and is also starting to display more fine structure. This is very well put together, and where I once thought it would be a near to medium term wine, it is now starting to remind me more of the '97 and '99 which have aged beautifully and continue to shine. This may very well be a long ager.
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11/20/2015 - bitdrerik wrote: 89 Points
Eðalklúbbur, vínsmakk #2 haust 2015 (Marbakkabraut 12): Talsvert ljósara en fyrsta vínið. Í nefi leysiefni, brjóstsykur, sæta, eik (vindlakassinn). Í bragðinu mátti finna vanillu, eik, fenóla. Vínið er sýruríkt og kröftugt. Fín tannín. Í byrjun var þetta vín mjög sérstakt. Ég byrjaði á að gefa því 85-86. Lét það svo standa í glasinu nokkra stund þá var kominn allt annar bragur á vínið. Greinilegt að það er nauðsynlegt að umhella því. Græðir 3-4 punkta á því.
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11/14/2015 - danielbleier wrote: 91 Points
consistent with prior notes
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11/10/2015 - CWilliam wrote:
91-92 range. Consistent with my prior notes - still very young. Paired great with smoked turkey.
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10/23/2015 - Birorganic wrote: 88 Points
Not what I expect from my first love. Need more bramble, chewy fruit and a sense of place. Too much new fruit? Too clean. Not interesting enough compared to previous vintages including 2011 that was incredible.
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10/20/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
consistent with notes of 6/10/2015
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10/18/2015 - dsamuel Likes this wine: 89 Points
Zinfandel tasting - no formal notes taken. Bright boysenberry character, dominated by Zinfandel, but the addl varieties seem to add a little more character. Moderate acidity and appeared a little "flabby". My personal 4th of five.
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9/25/2015 - eliassen2014 wrote: 90 Points
Good. Like better than the lower prices three valleys one
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9/25/2015 - eliassen2014 wrote: 88 Points
Decent balanced wine. My as good as their higher priced ones such as 2012 three valleys Sonoma coast ridge wine
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9/13/2015 - AMC Eagle wrote: 92 Points
2+ hours in the decanter. Appearance is a combinations of dark purple and dark ruby with very good legs. Getting smoky blackberries and plums with some menthol on the nose. Dark cherry liquer with some blackberries and some green herbs on the palate; bright and somewhat complex; tannins are apparent as well. Medium bodied with a medium+ finish. Definitely decant this for a few hours or try this again in 2-3 years.
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9/9/2015 - bjamesclark wrote: 91 Points
71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvedre & 1% Alicante Bouchet.
Decanted, which at this point this wine needs at least 1 hour.
Plenty of personality on the nose where the Carignan really makes its presence known. Strawberry preserves, dark cherry, baked plums, blueberry compote, roasted nuts, high quality cognac, a blend of pipe and cigar tobaccos, dried flowers and mahogany.
On the palate rich flavors of dark cherry, baked strawberries and plums, tobacco, toasted nuts, dried leaves, wood, leather and light hints of dried flowers, spice and forrest floor. Good structure where the acid and tannins both ride the line between medium/medium-plus. The finish is long, dry and savory lingering on the nutty notes.
Personally really like the blend of Zin and Carignan, and overall this unique wine delivers.
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8/27/2015 - Rieslingfan wrote:
This is just so friendly. It's impressive for how drinkable it is. Maybe not a wine for decades of aging, but they do not all have to do that. I love the rich, plummy fruit, and there is sufficient structure to keep things in line. Just yummy. Should be fun drinking over the next 15 years or so. Can't ask for more than that.
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8/23/2015 - CdrCabernet wrote: 85 Points
Deep purple with good legs. Plum, cinnamon and allspice on the nose.
Jammy plum with concord grape on the palate with a hint of pepper leads to a nice smooth finish. Fairly complex with layers of fruit and tannin. Overpriced for the quality.
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8/23/2015 - PT insurgent wrote:
Ripe, jammy, juicy plum, chocolate. Really good acidity, soft tannins, really vibrant fruit.
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8/19/2015 - dbg wrote:
Cellared since release, perfect cork and fill. Dark red to rim. Pop and pour, opens in an hour to show cherry, dark berries, and rich Forest earthiness. Medium body, ripe brambly fruits, fresh balancing acidity on the palate, medium long finish. Drinking really well with potential to improve. Excellent.
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8/9/2015 - mfkantor wrote: 91 Points
Very good. Dark fruit with hint if spice. Bramble and blackberry but not overly fruity. Nicely balanced with the structure to last a number of years.
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8/5/2015 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ridge Wine Night - 7 wines for 10 people - a disappointing wine for our group. The nose was muted and it tasted a bit hot from the alcohol. Not a bad wine, I just think prior vintages of Geyserville have been better.
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8/4/2015 - Nutty08 wrote: 91 Points
This was just OK for me. Quite dominated by dill and other oak flavors. Black fruit, smooth palate with some chewy tannins on the finish. Well put together as all ridge wines are, but couldn't get past the oak signature.
Much better on night 2 as the oak receded leaving smooth plush black fruits and a little spice. Quite nice. Much more tannic than I appreciated on night 1
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7/26/2015 - jset22 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really enjoyed. Not as heavy as expected
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7/24/2015 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
Last tasted 5 months ago. Pretty much the same as when last tasted, except the tannin seems much more resolved and softer; still a very slight acidic sting on the tongue, but not a detraction from appreciating the wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth, spice, hints of cinnamon and licorice. Fruit is ripe, intense and rich. Smooth in the mouth. A medium finish.
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7/12/2015 - Slaz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Relative to the bottle I tried a year ago, this has become more accessible but not by much. It is definitely hard to resist enjoying it now, but there is so much to discover with more years of patience. Similar to other Ridge's blends, this one has an excellent backbone. The wine evolved with air, which it definitely needed upon opening. On the palate, deep fruit with dark berry notes, sufficient and balanced acidity, and remarkable dryness.
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6/30/2015 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 92 Points
No formal notes taken but this was, once again a delight. Rich baking spice nose, smooth and balanced. Ready to go now in spite of being sooo young.
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6/20/2015 - palbe Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dark blackberries, heather, vanilla. Some anise and licorice. Juicy and long. No shit! Ideally I would leave this in the cellar for additional complexity, but it's sure hard to resist now.
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6/18/2015 - shaferguy91 wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 1 hour.
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6/10/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
Time is serving this well (as is an overnight sit in the bottle after opened). Plum and red raspberry blend with smoke and a touch of vanilla. Lush and smooth
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5/28/2015 - Tpairing wrote: 90 Points
Delicious black fruit ....raspberry at the finish as wine opens up. Chocolate and overall a bottle that can be drank with great pleasure.
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5/23/2015 - pcwoz Likes this wine: 91 Points
1-2 hr decant. lovely. Rich red and dark fruits. Maybe some coffee? Mocha? Really drinkable. Just lovely. Some development. Smooth
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5/14/2015 - Pebben wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes before tasting. Dark purple core, pink rim. On the nose; blackberries, raspberries, mocha, cinnamon stick and vanilla-toffee. On the palate; ripe fruit, lots of dry extract, firm grip and good length. Bigger and brawnier than the Lytton Springs. While currently lacking its stablemate’s balance and sense of elegance, it might well end up as the better wine in the end. Definitely serviceable, but I suggest giving it the chance to settle down a little by letting it sleep for at least another two to three years (91-94 points).
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5/12/2015 - CWilliam wrote:
91+ better on night 2 (good with pizza but good with steak on night 2). Didn't take formal notes. Decant if drinking now. Would buy again. [edit] Retasted 4 nights later (left in cellar under vacu-vin) and still drinking well - very soft and red fruit dominant. Should age well.
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4/20/2015 - lockestep Likes this wine: 93 Points
Ridge Tasting with Eric Baugher (State Line, Elkton MD): Dark ruby. Fantastic nose with elements of dark chocolate. Blackberry on the palate, terrific fruit, very concentrated. A lot of power here. Medium long finish, very good acidity. Classic Geyserville.
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3/30/2015 - wabi47 wrote: 90 Points
Young with plenty of fruit and bramble; still coming together
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3/27/2015 - daveste Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big, gawky Zin that needs a few years to show well. Do not PNp since the aroma is medicinal at first. Decanted last night and drank half w pizza, but it wasn't pleasant till after an hour. Tonight the rest of the bottle was very good but still rough to my taste. But toward the end...
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2/27/2015 - Mspiggy wrote: 90 Points
Berry flavor and aroma. Fruity, close to jammy; a very rich Zinfandel
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2/20/2015 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 93 Points
14.4% abv. Dark ruby. Loads of spice on the nose. Blackberry, black raspberry, bramble and spice dominate the palate. This wine, a notorious long-ager, is but a baby. Excellent now and will be better in a dozen years.
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2/17/2015 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
Initially, the nose is a little closed, but opens as the wine warms from cellar temperature. Then, aromas of blackberry, black currant, earth, spice, hints of cinnamon and liquorice. Similar flavors. Tannins seem not to be totally resolved at this point. But, the fruit is ripe, intense and rich. Smooth in the mouth, but the tannin leaves a very slight acidic feeling on the tip of the tongue. A long finish. An excellent pairing with Polish Sausage.The effect of the tannin abates with the food. The wine has some time left before maturity. Score 92-93.
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2/16/2015 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 93 Points
Initial nose of port and plum that quickly became a wonderful aroma of baking spices. Could not identify a particular spice, but suggested Cinnamon, Alspice, Nutmeg and Clove. Behind that was some Cherry/Eucalyptus (Smith's cough drops but in a good way). Behind that a bit of cassis. Nose had a touch of lightness and perfume. Much of this came through in the mouth as well. Rich, balanced with some tannin and a long finish. Will buy another to drink near-term and a couple to lose in the back of the cellar. Structure to last.
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2/15/2015 - DSR wrote: 91 Points
Black fruit on the nose/palate. Great acidity, full body, soft integrated tannins, moderate finish. Fresh, juicy, delicious wine, but not at all over the top or jammy - yum.
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1/30/2015 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nose of dark fruit, plum and blueberry, more of the same on the palate, tasty, well integrated blend, went well with the Pork Tenderloin at One Market in SF, improved in the glass over the two hour dinner, 7 of the 8 voted it better than its companion the 2012 Ridge Petite Sirah, lots of fruit, big body, very tasty, long finish.
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1/28/2015 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
2015 ZAP Trade Tasting. Nose of red cherry fruit, briar, allspice, mint, and smoke, more of the same on the palate, one of my favorite wines, everything is there and will improve for 3 to 5 years, easier to decant for 4 hours and enjoy now, medium/big body, slightly too fruit forward for me, long, flavorful finish and aftertaste.
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1/28/2015 - Jona Likes this wine: 94 Points
A really old wineyard - planted in 1882. Shit what a perfume! Port-like. And with a fine and grippy acidity. Probably the best wine during my Napa-tour...! =) Visit the winery if you have the possibility.
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1/27/2015 - DSP Likes this wine:
Structure of pinot but with the flavors of zinfandel. Silky smooth and floats effortlessly over the palate. Red fruits with hints of licorice and spice. Clearly young and unevolved though - looking forward to trying this a few years down the road.
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1/17/2015 - Grinner wrote: 92 Points
PHMG WAG: Ridge Vineyards (Monte Lyon): May have been better on day 2. More balanced black fruit and earth notes than the previous wines in this tasting, more structure, and good length. Best 2017-19.
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1/2/2015 - horse Likes this wine: 93 Points
Did not disappoint...Excellent. Fairly consistent with a number of other notes below - somewhat muted nose and takes an hour or so to open up. Decant would help... Once it opens, lots of dark berry fruit on the palate with various layers of complexity and a medium to long finish. Dense structure should evolve nicely over time. Delicious.
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12/31/2014 - Dgames wrote: 91 Points
Nose is a little more muted than what I normally have had with the top level Ridge zins, but much better on the palate. Some complex dark fruit things going one with a bit of black licorice.
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12/24/2014 - mike l. Likes this wine: 94 Points
stunning.
complex structure and the blend is just a work of art. the fruit is so decadent but there's an underlying tannic terroir thing that keeps it interesting.
im in love.
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12/24/2014 - glou.sf Likes this wine: 93 Points
Black currants, black berries, plums on the nose. Medium+ tannins that need some more time to integrate. Very nice finish. Needs time.
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12/14/2014 - brigcampbell wrote: 88 Points
This is a nice wine, those at dinner were interested. It has good complexity based on the abundance of varietals and with the petite and Zin driving the fruit profile it's well received by those enjoying a forward wine. Tannins were surprisingly supple after a 5 hour decant. Medium plus weight.
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12/14/2014 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Drank next to the 2012 Wind Gap Nellesen syrah and it surely created a contrast. I call out this other wine because I'm not certain whether the Wind Gap created the stark contrast or the Ridge is riper than I was expecting. The WG syrah was labeled at 12.0%, the Ridge at 14.4%. As I tasted the Ridge, I got some riper fruit tones and aromatics, along with cinnamon and dill. I suppose with the predominance of Zinfandel in the Ridge that the wine would be bigger boned and more forward so in that respect, it makes sense. I just seem to have a perception that with Ridge wines that I'd find less wood and forward fruit tones, something a bit more lower in the CA register.
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12/5/2014 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 92 Points
i should be ashamed - this is a pre infant. But oh does it show promise!
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12/3/2014 - t_moderne wrote: 92 Points
Pop and pour. Tasted with food (an assortment of frikadellen, dried sausage, and chicken liver pate). Rich and robust with an elegance and roundness to the wine. I agree with the note: "Björnbär dominerar totalt."
Yes, blackberries and good weight to the wine.
I don't like to use the word in describing a wine but other folks tasting the wine with me repeated the word "smooth."
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12/3/2014 - Carolus81 wrote: 90 Points
Ung, finstämd balans. Björnbär dominerar totalt. Inget illa med det. Det finns en liten vaniljton men det är ganska primärt idag. Munkänslan är len och det är verkligen inbjudande. Ska tillägga att det långt ifrån syltigt eller hett. Geyserville presterar fantastiska viner, ivarje fall när dom görs av Ridge.
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11/30/2014 - mdefreitas wrote: 91 Points
An excellent, elegant version this year. No shortage of fruit, but lighter and less oaky than I remember in previous vintages. Should age nicely.
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11/28/2014 - GrandeSerataFuori wrote: 90 Points
Opened nicely and stayed very enjoyable for a glass on day two. Wet prunes (this isn't a negative for me!!) and black pepper - with just hints of tobacco, cola and strawberry. A joy.
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11/27/2014 - dbg wrote:
Seemed a bit muted and perhaps lost among the holiday dishes, no detectable TCA but not up to last bottle, others seemed to like it fine but I preferred the Rieslings by a long shot.
Revisited the next day as almost half the bottle was left (so much for "others seemed to like it fine")...
But drunk on its own this is now showing more like a Geyserville should, with plenty of bramble fruits and good balance. The wine just must have been lost among all the intense Thanksgiving meal flavors.
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11/25/2014 - Frijole wrote:
medium plum red, lots of clarity, ruby hue
Nose: plum, clove, white pepper, black pepper, dark chocolate, touch tobacco, touch oak
Pal: plum, clove white pepper, black pepper, dark chocolate, cola, vanilla, tobacco, touch oak
Feel: medium
Finish: medium
T7
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11/22/2014 - Twinkles wrote: 90 Points
Did not decant. Could have used it. More muted than I would have liked. Feels a bit more subtle and less unique than prior vintages but will need to confirm with proper decanting and day 2 tasting (if I ever manage to reach day 2).
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11/20/2014 - winelegends.net Likes this wine: 91 Points
Schwarz-Rot
Sehr dunkelfruchtig,viel Extrakt,wirklich würzig,leicht erdig,wenig Holz,Lakritze im Hintergrund, eine gewisse Fruchtsüsse,irgendwo eine frische Mentholnote,bisschen höher im Alk.was aber nicht stört,fleischig,dicht und doch ein langer leicht süsslicher, dunkelfruchtiger Abgang.
Schwarzfruchtig,konzentrierter aber mit wirklich guter Balance.
Irgendwie ideal zur Jahreszeit und auch zu Kaminfeuer.
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11/18/2014 - wineotim wrote: 89 Points
Medium bodied, bright and juicy with notes of mineral, mushroom, and spice. Nice purity and structure.
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11/16/2014 - hubbub88 wrote: 90 Points
Still very young. Needs to develop more subtly. Pleasant to drink, smooth but lack of fruit and complexity right now. Has potential. Drank with Lamb shanks.
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11/14/2014 - Mad Dog Mikey wrote: 91 Points
A very nice Geyserville - a bit heavy on the vanilla.
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11/13/2014 - dustbuddy wrote: 90 Points
"America's First Growth" The Ridge Tasting (Tott's, The Excelsior): Feels much more ready than the Lytton Springs 2012 that preceded it. Even more pungent with cassis notes carrying through onto the palate amidst spicy highlights.
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11/8/2014 - dbg wrote:
Dark red to rim. Needs an hour to open up, revealing loads of cherry, dark berry and mouth-watering savory elements on the nose with a bit of underlying earthiness and iodine. Medium body, ripe fruit with bramble, peppery notes and fresh balancing acidity on the palate, medium long finish with tannins showing through at the end. Should improve with a couple of years in the cellar but drinking really well now. Excellent.
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10/29/2014 - danielbleier wrote: 89 Points
consistent with notes of 6/21/2014
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10/29/2014 - Kelly Hollingsworth Likes this wine:
Orange peel, spice, vanilla, dark berries on the nose. Very full-bodied, powerful. Silky tannins. Young. Would buy again to cellar or to try pairing with grilled meats (sausage, burger, steaks).
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10/24/2014 - jshearer Likes this wine: 88 Points
Very grapey at this point. Closed. Even after being open for almost 4 hours this isn't showing much. Blue/purple fruits. Floral. Fruity yet also restrained. Decent balance. Fine, sandpaper tannins on the finish.
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10/19/2014 - wineguy1968 Likes this wine: 93 Points
fruit forward wine without being overly sweet. just a joy to drink.
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10/5/2014 - MRichman wrote:
Tasting at Ridge Lytton Springs (Ridge Lytton Springs): Dark, savory with a hint of sweet flowers. Dense middle. A bit closed.
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10/1/2014 - Normann Likes this wine: 91 Points
A young but lovely wine. Understands that 2012 is a great year, and this does not disappoint. Fresh nose and taste of rich spices and black berries, good balanced, but maybe a little young. Goas very well with lamb with port wine sauce. Looking forward to the next bottle!
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9/18/2014 - Neecies Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bought and tasted same day. Young but wide open, displaying the friendly sophistication that is the Geezer's hallmark. Good vintage! Been a long time since we luxed out with a baby Geeze; glad we did.
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9/12/2014 - Carsten Madsen wrote: 92 Points
Very nice, stil young.
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9/5/2014 - Fred44 wrote: 92 Points
Great spicy Zinfandel!
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8/23/2014 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine: 92 Points
Vibrant California fruit with subtle graphite notes that wouldn't be out of place in Bordeaux. Attractive layer of savory flavors on the palate. Multi-dimensional and well made. Outstanding.
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8/20/2014 - Wine Canuck wrote: 89 Points
A Visit to Ridge, Monte Bello Estate: This is better. If I'm going to drink a Zin from the Ridge line-up, Geyserville seems to be my best bet. Deep, dense and just a touch tangy style. Nose is of iodine, brambly mixed berry fruit, dark plums and cherry pie filling. The palate reveals a similar sensation to mixed seedy dark berries and an almost coulis sweetness, though the finish comes across a bit short, sadly. Alcohol is noted on the palate as a touch high.
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8/16/2014 - Twinkles wrote: 91 Points
Always a pleasure. Much different compared to 2010 and 2011. Less intense on the fruit (apples in 2010 and 2011!). Less playful I would stay. Balanced with no excess of oak, acidity or alcohol. Very nice. More mature in a sense, just like the 2009. Loved it.
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8/11/2014 - Jgallup wrote: 91 Points
Looking back at my previous tasting notes, I was far too critical of this wine. This really impressed. Perfectly blended zinfandel, with balanced tannins and fruit. Enjoyable flavors of cherry, blueberry, vanilla and plum. Will buy more.
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8/9/2014 - RajivAyyangar Likes this wine: 89 Points
Ridge Vineyards with Doug, Jo, and Chad (Santa Cruz, CA): Re-tasting since the first bottle was oxidized.
In the glass: Clear, bright, medium ruby, medium viscosity.
Nose: Nice, youthful, fruit-forward med+ intensity nose of tart blueberry, jammy raspberry, cherry, hint of maraschino.
In the mouth: tart, juicy, with strong raspberry and good structure. Med body, med+ alcohol, med+ acid. Very nice! 8+/9. Maybe the best Zin I've had?
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8/9/2014 - RajivAyyangar wrote: flawed
Ridge Vineyards with Doug, Jo, and Chad (Santa Cruz, CA): In the glass: Clear, bright, medium ruby, medium viscosity.
Nose: Oxidized.
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7/28/2014 - galewskj wrote: 92 Points
This was a replacement from Ridge for a corked 2006. I may well have traded-up here. Consumed over 3 days, and little changed over that time. Upon first sip it was obvious that a vinturi was needed. Two vinturi's and the tannins had calmed down some. Of course it still tasted very young, full of plum and red fruit. Very nice balance. I would like to see how this wine tastes in 5 years. 92+.
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7/21/2014 - Rieslingfan Likes this wine:
This is an impressive Geyserville. Plenty of plummy, crushed berry fruit and zin spice. Good acid and firm but not overwhelming tannins. I like the overall balance, as it reminds me of the 1999 when that wine was young. Should cellar very well.
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7/8/2014 - CWilliam wrote: 92 Points
Went into this with low expectations given a 2007 vintage of this wine that I enjoyed with ~ 4 years of bottle age. Cherry, briary, baking spice on nose. Similar flavor profile on palate + glycerin type texture (reminded me of a ripe CDP). Medium body, nice acidity (excellent with grilled chicken) and long finish. 92-93 range. Will buy more. I love the Ridge Monte Bellos so maybe I drank the '07 too young???
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7/1/2014 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:
Ridge Monte Bello tasting room June 29, 2014: Aromas of spice, medicinal herb, cassis, cherry. Similar on the palate with a little mineral and floral notes showing. Elegant style. Juicy acid. Fine tannin. Finishes full. Very nicely done.
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6/28/2014 - Crunge wrote: 90 Points
Tasted side by side with the 2008 and found this to be too young. This has an edge to it that should smooth out over time. Nice flavors and I finished it off with a pizza, which was a good pairing for this wine where it stands now.
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6/21/2014 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 89 Points
way too young, needs at least a year. Deep mocha and dark berry flavors - solid acidity. I think more is buried, just needs time.
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6/19/2014 - jwells wrote: 89 Points
Very nice dark red fruit flavors. Still somewhat tannic.
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6/17/2014 - MRichman wrote:
Lovely, soft and broad. Strawberry, orange peel. Elegant. A bit young.
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6/8/2014 - Robwild Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lovely, rich, full bodied with elegant bouquet. Medium tannins, smooth and balanced. Lots of fruit, berries, with oak. A delicious blend, with mostly zin from a very good year
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6/5/2014 - aagrawal wrote: 92 Points
Deeper ruby color; spicy, black fruit, slight cinnamon; very balanced palate with great acidity, high tannins but still approachable now. 92
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5/25/2014 - PNIELSEN Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic Geyserville. Slightly fumey but otherwise beautiful nose of bramble, blackberry, blueberry and other dark fruits, vanilla, with subtle hints of eucaplytus, celery and orange zest. Smooth and rich on the palate, with a long, Chambord-like finish. Ridge has perfected this recipe: you can pick up the carignane tang, dark notes and structure from petite sirah, and an earthy note (mourvedre?). Medium soft tannins. Just delicious. Curious to see how this rather feminine Geyserville fares in terms of ageability (the winemaker estimates up to 15 years). Happy to have 4 more bottles of this.
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5/25/2014 - wabi47 Likes this wine: 91 Points
ABV 14.4; mixed wild fruit, clean forest floor, well integrated oak and plenty of other je ne sais quoi stuff; more open knit/less of the brooding nature of some earlier vintages, but plenty of complexity and balance.
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5/24/2014 - kosinski wrote:
Aroma: rich and creamy raspberry and vanilla with a touch of wood spice
Palate: opens soft and velvety with rich raspberry and black cherry flavors. Develops a spicy note on the mid palate, along with more structure and tannin. Complex undertones of green pepper and herbs. Good now but should mature and develop with age.
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5/24/2014 - yossarian.livez wrote:
Same as before. Not as serious as many vintages, but a chugalicious wine. 89-90.
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5/24/2014 - Jgallup wrote: 88 Points
Light ruby color, blackberry nose, vanilla, marichino cherry, oak palate. Very nice.
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5/21/2014 - tantotinto wrote: 90 Points
Almost black. Sweet blackberry nose. Dense blackberry, blueberry and vanilla flavor with a tart finish. Sensual rather than complex. This bottle seems never to disappoint and the 2012 is typical. Very good and a great match this evening for a sausage and eggplant pizza.
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4/28/2014 - mlwhitfi wrote: 92 Points
Still young, dark & brooding. Denser & more layers of flavors than the 2008 which I tasted side by side, but has a lot of potential & reminds me of the 2009. Nose of black cherries, dates, cinnamon, candied ginger & anise. Dark flavors, layered with minerals & chalky notes. Classic Geyserville.
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4/20/2014 - yossarian.livez wrote: 90 Points
Another great Geyserville. Bramble, red fruits, vanilla, black pepper. Just the slightest touch of oak to go with a minerally gravel and menthol. Medium plus to full body. Medium acid. Balanced and polished. Moderate length. For the vintage a surprisingly elegant to go with the juiciness and redder and lighter than the 2011.
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4/19/2014 - Birorganic Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very enjoyable. Violets in a glass. Not a bramble bruiser like many previous Geyserville's, more refined. Still a young wine. Bought four so far and will see how they develop over the next few years. The 1996 Geyserville is my favorite of all time.
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4/15/2014 - Mascarello59 Likes this wine: 91 Points
At the winery. Double decanted 2h ahead. This is a fieldblend of 70% Zinfandel and 19% Carignan and it's nowhere near as jammy or overdone as other Zins I have tasted. The aromas are full of fruit (black cherries), almost sweet but not overoaked in any way. The taste is fruity, pure and with ripe tannins. The mouthfeel is deceptively light despite the 14,5% alcohol. A great Zinfandel!
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4/4/2014 - kosinski wrote:
Somewhat faint but intriguing aroma of menthol, black cherry and minerals with some cedar notes. Elegant and rather light bodied on the palate with bright cherry flavors, hints of baking spice, tobacco and graphite. Nicely balanced acidity and ripe tannin. Subtle and complex, somewhat reminiscent of Chianti Classico. Needs a few years to integrate and then should be excellent. Definitely a food-friendly wine.
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3/16/2014 - thatrick wrote: 92 Points
For a just released wine this is really good - 2012 may turn out to be a great vintage for Ridge. Look forward to see how this wine ages.
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3/11/2014 - NostraBacchus Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasted at Ridge Geyserville. Medium purple color. Beautiful nose of sweet cherries, sweet spices, red fruits. It' medium-full bodied with medium acidity and good length. Very accessible but structured Zin blend with great aromatic complexity. I usually drink the Geyserville younger and hold on to the Lytton Springs for a little longer. Beautiful Zin.
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