This is a good wine, on its hopeful way to become very good. But there are some things in its way… And I honestly don’t think it will ever get there. It sports some foul aromas, even if taste is good and long. Pure fruit isn’t here. Complexity isn’t there. Length isn’t there. Intensity is almost there. Legend? Never…
I first fell in love with Ridge in the late 1900-eds, as it was an amazing $20 wine. That was some less gray-haired years back, and it was great! This wine is still great! However, it's still a $25 wine, with a $65 price tag.
I get it: capitalizing on your well built brand name. Well, it only catches those late to the party AND they'll always be looking for the next party…
Tonight, I decided to stop purchasing Ridge wines. There are so many other amazing districts, wine makers and deals available… I mean: if you still count under 200 regions on CT, keeeep exploring!
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2006 RidgeVineyards Lytton Springs. There’s still zome zing in this #zinfandel. Cherry dominates, cola, black licorice, vanilla, white pepper, tannins completely smooth. A treat. #92points.
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Haven’t opened a lot of Ridge lately but, have over my life. Still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge. Not even one corked.
I also learned a long time ago, never open Ridge reds young.
The nose reveals, ruby, candied, spice driven, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & creamy raspberries. White pepper, dark, medium spice, anise to black licorice, vanilla, clove, touch of nutmeg, alcohol vapors, mixed berry cola, dark, rich, turned earth, grey volcanics, limestone, dry, crushed rocks with bright, candied; dark, red, purple & blue florals framed with in soft field of violets & lavender.
The palate is rounding up to its peak but, it is still ascending. The tension, structure, length & balance have started their prime integration. The tannins have round, tarry, meaty baby teeth. Ruby, candied, spice driven, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & creamy raspberries. White pepper, dark, medium spice, anise to black licorice, vanilla, clove, touch of nutmeg, alcohol vapors, mixed berry cola, sweet tarriness, used, French expresso grounds, moist clay, warm, well done toast, touch herbaceous tree sap with bark, eucalyptus, some mint, dark, rich, turned earth, grey volcanics, limestone, dry, crushed rocks & top soil, oak barrel shavings with bright, candied; dark, red, purple & blue florals framed with in soft field of violets & lavender. The acidity is round & refreshing. The long, well balanced, ruby, lush, elegant finish loads as juicy fruits rounding into a great combination of earth & spice persisting for days.
Not quite the perfect pizza pairing but, the evening was put together last minute & I wanted to open the 97 Phelps Syrah. This was my back up bottle in case the 97 hadn’t held up. Somehow, the Ridge got opened as well. I hate it when that happens.
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Ridge is always bang on with the quality. This Lytton Springs shouldn't be excluded from that statement. Lots of development on the '06, but lots of life left here as well. Some rich fruit concentrations is accompanied by notes of cigar, licorice, dried figs and orange peel. Tannins are expressed, but fine with an acidity just right to keep everything bright. Long, dry finish.
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Cellaraid Discovery Box; 5/19/2017-5/26/2021 (Delivered to Home): Deep ruby core with a bit of garnet fading edges. A developed nose, with quite a bit of dried roses, cocoa, nutmeg, meat stew, and a rather weird heaty volatility, even somewhat caramelised. High tannins, an overload of alcohol heat which distracted, with lots of nutmeg and paprika spices, tar, bits of ripe blackberry, mint and cocoa. Yes I guess the finish was long, but that was almost only a roasted caramel chocolate, and a bit of flowers
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Expressive and open on the nose - notes of liquorice, dark fruit, spices. Concentrated and generous. On the palate well balanced, good density and concentration, fresh, nicely structured, good length. Drink or keep, no rush. 91-93
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Oh, my goodness! What a nose and what a palate! Popped an poured without any slo-ox, and yet the color is a youthful, full-on maroon at the core. Ample Draper perfume, molasses, rhubarb, plum and spice (cinnamon) on the nose. Plum, molasses, brown sugar, and rhubarb, followed by brambles and blackberry on the palate. Fully resolved tannins. The mouthfeel is almost velvety; rich and full bodied, but with excellent balance. I can’t imagine that this will continue to improve, yet it has sufficient structure to hold its own for several years. 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. Some slight sediment. 14.7% alc. With Valdeon, champignon and an Italian farm cheese with peppered rind and crusty bread from the Wmsbg Cheese Shoppe (the Valdeon worked only if the Coleman’s mustard and ham was on the bread as well). Recommended, but leaning strongly toward Highly Recommended.
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My last bottle from 12 and probably the best yet. The initial drinking window suggested was hopelessly young, and the wine was at that stage frankly underwhelming. But with 10+ years this has really come into its own, with some fading fruit, rich black olive and gentle spice, and a hint of licorice on the finish - beautifully balanced!
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Opened with dull aromas of barrel funk and minimal fruit. Definitely not corked but very closed down. It took about 2 hours for the wine to start opening up and we probably didn't wait long enough for it to develop fully. Drinkable but not in the league we expected a Ridge LS to exemplify.
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Cellaraid Discovery Box; 5/19/2017-5/26/2021 (Delivered to Home): Somewhat like a black-green depth of leaves and liquorice on the nose. Continues to have this huge depth on the palate, intense and some resolved tannins, yet the acid is still mouth-watering. Liquorice, plum, cassis, and some savoury meats and nuttiness, and mocha. Great complexity!
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Drinking this was like reading a copy of "Tobacco Road" as along with the berry fruit there were smells and tastes of washtub, wet wood ash, barn board, earth and hay. It is in a good place right now with no decrepitude.
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Gosh amazed how cheap this was when I bought it ten years ago less than £20 a bottle it continues to age beautifully and has such balance unlike all too many Zins of today
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@ game dinner with Bob T, Catherine and Taylor. Next to the 2008. This was great upon opening, good color, nice fruit and spice on the nose. On palate very fresh but you could taste some age. Overall yummy. Medium weight and elegance vs the 2008 which was bigger and bolder. Frankly based on my past few years experience with these aged zins I wasnt expecting the world but these were GOOD. The 2006 is drink - the 2008 can hold (but why wait other than for experiment).
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From a 375. Cherry cola and camphor are immediately evident on the nose. Spicy black cherry and some charcoal notes in the mouth with a long, deep finish. Wish there was a bit more acid for balance. Didn't hang together completely but was fine with pasta bolognese.
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W porkroast at J&R with Greg and Jamie. Next to the 2005. This was better imo vs what others thought. More of a wine vs 2005 nearly gone. Still good fruit and length - drink up though.
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Finally getting around to this case and it is definitely one that will repay opening over the coming months. Some good tertiary notes with very smooth tannins and a lovely long finish. Perhaps should have got to this earlier but it s very forgiving
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The best (and last) bottle of the 5. Well balanced with red & black berries, mild tobacco and just hint of white pepper. The tannins were soft but noticeable on the medium finish.
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As company keeps popping these, I get to taste the bottle, temperature, and air variations. Pop & pour and warm - dark berries, dill, and very rich sweetness (even a bit candied sweetness).
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Best bottle yet, with much cleaner blackberry notes (with some oaky vanilla and dill) and somewhat less drying than previous bottles (but still drying).
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First, the nose. Smoke, musk, remarkable. On the palate, good intensity, medium tannins, vegetable notes, smoke, leather, coffee, medium-plus length on the finish. The secondary, green characteristics are more prominent now but the wine still shows balance and intrigue at this advanced age. An hour of decanting recommended.
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Sweet red fruit, vanilla, and some savory and herb notes. Mostly fruit and a bit of flowers. The tannins are mostly resolved but a bit drying, and the concentration is not comparable to better vintages of Lytton.
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Beautifully mature (dried leaves, tobacco), yet still redolent of sweet red fruit and mostly resolved, soft, fine tannins. Medium bodied, slightly off-dry on the attack, with balanced acidity and long length. Very nice indeed.
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Brought to Dana and Anne's for Nantucket weekend. Had this with grilled flyed lamb shoulder. The meat was absolutely superb and this was a great evening. The wine fit the meal excellent. We opened and decanted one hour. Color was great, had some maturity. Nose was medium weight, good fruit and spice. On the palate this absolutely spoke beautifully. Classic Lytton Springs. Good length and just very interesting and it stayed interesting. Not big but special.
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The color of claret leaning to maroon and then a full on maroon at the core. The nose is full with Draper perfume, molasses, rhubarb, plum and spice. Plum, molasses, brown sugar, and rhubarb, followed by brambles and blackberry on the palate. Fully resolved tannins. 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. This is a sleeper wine. It may not be flashy, but it is mighty fine wine. Some slight sediment. 14.7% alc. With flank steak. Recommended.
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3rd Annual 7 Deadly Zins (well, about 15 this time) (Wayne's place in Darlinghurst): From Coravin. Muted and closed, slight cherry and sweet spice, leather, prune. In the mouth it's bond dry with leathery notes, bitter leaf, black tea backed by chalky and gritty tannins. Not really any fruit. Perhaps a good decant will help revive this?
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This is not a vintage of Lytton that I ever enjoyed, and it is not improving with age. Dry flowers, dusty red fruit, and tobacco. Somewhat unripe medium tannin. Medium-plus acid. Quite drying on the finish.
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Deep red colour with a slight brown edge. Liquorice, tar, tobacco on the nose. Dark fruits flavours with forest floor, truffles, leather and tar. Fine grained tannins. Smooth with well balanced acid. Opened beautifully over two hours. Drinking very nicely and sad to say it was my last bottle.
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sweet raspberry, ripe notes. touch of tobacco. mid is full of good black and red fruit. perhaps a touch of alc there. tart delicious finish. excellent food wine - with tons of floral aromatics and solid though not heavy mid to support the food. over time - more perfume and raspberry on the nose. really pretty.
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Dark berries, dill/oak, some herb, and some VA notes on the nose. Spicy palate shows dusty flowers and earth, but not much fruit. Would guess a much older Ridge than 2006. The tannin is approachable but a bit harsh, with drying (wood?) tannin and cedar through the finish. I have no idea if, with time, this become more shrill and drying or actually improve with some oak integration, but I suspect the former. Drink now.
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Dark fruit, bramble, leather, and cedar on the nose. Cherries, herbs, and a lot of oak spice on the palate. Quite rich; medium-plus acidity, medium-low approachable but somewhat green tannin. Finishes with dark fruit and oak spice. Very consistent with my past notes. Hoping for more oak integration with time.
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First bottle in a year and it hasn't budged much--up or down--in the last year. Berries on the nose, with emerging leather and cigar. Black cherry, green herb, spicy oak, and a bit of earthy/savory notes on the palate. Low tannin, good acid, medium-plus body. Sour raspberries and plums with some spicy cedar notes trough the medium-long finish.
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“Prune” color in the glass. Nose of black berry, but, also, with a sour tinge. Light on the dark berry flavor on entry. In fact, definitely the lightest-bodied LS I think I’ve ever had. Again, a sour tinge on the edge of the tongue. Some earthiness mid- to rear palate. I think this one may be well past its prime.
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Very nice, round, full. This is a really nice bottle of wine. Fully mature, missing some of that youthful energy, but replaced it with good secondary flavors.
A bit of bramble, some cherry. Good 'mouthfeel'. A bit simple - not much development in the mouth. Better when blowing the alcohol off. Tidy, but unexciting. Not great value - paying 20%+ for the label I feel.
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Medium dark red color. Big nose with dark fruit, mostly blackberries. Also nice notes of oak spice and cocoa dust. Excellent texture and tannins. Nice acidity and delicate fruit. A nicely balanced LS that I should have opened a few years ago. A true Ridge blend, well made in all aspects and nothing is excessively done. Would pair it with grilled steak with lots of herbs and spices.
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Ridge tasting at the Rheingau Gourmet Festival 2016: full dark red color; bouquet of vanilla, medicinal notes and red fruits; the red fruit aromas strongly enhanced after pivoting; same impression in the mouth; surprisingly light body and short finish.
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A Ridge Lytton Spring Vertical and a few others (our home): To me this drank the closest to peak. Its about as good as it is going to get. That is pretty good, but a step behind most with not much chance to improve. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black cherries and dust. Great texture. Black cherry fruit. Decent acidity. Nice finish. Some complexity but not a lot.
Beautiful dark fruit with nice strong zin character. Wood and acid come nicely into balance. A bit flat to end, may have missed the optimal window by a year. from a 375
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Loads of dark berry and cigar. Richer than many other vintages. Spicy dark berries, white pepper, some tobacco and sandalwood. Medium-long sweet berry finish. Nice acid and fairly little tannin. Good now, but holding. Yum.
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PnP. Decent red fruit on the nose and palate along with a little vanila. Medium-bodied with barely-noticeable tannins and a medium finish. Balanced, but not as good as I'd hope from this maker. One more to go.
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2nd Annual 7 Deadly Zins tasting…well, 10 (My place, parramatta, sydney): Spice, biscuit, slight toast, red cherry and berry, vanilla then plum as well as some alcohol heat prickle to the nose. In the mouth the wine is juicy with flavours of plum over cherry, quite savoury but vanilla notes here as well. Tannins are only just discernible, very silky. Long. Lovely
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Second bottle of three, old-timey zinfandel blend, like a fruity mature Bordeaux. 35 years ago when these were a few dollars, this was a fabulous idea, now it is more of a curiosity, but a tasty one.
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Opened with BBQ ribs. This wine has been all over the place for me. This was not the worst showing, nor the best. Very subdued with more of a secondary taste profile than 5 years ago. This was my last bottle and I won't miss it.
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Aroma: Spicy aromas of plums, cherries and leather. Palate: Light to medium bodied flavors of plums, pomegranate wood spice. Noticeable acidity. Good with food. Drink now or hold.
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Not a lot of fruit on entry to the mouth—typical LS blackberry notes, but not in your face. Fairly light-bodied for a red (let alone a Ridge LS), but an enjoyable wine to drink. There is still acid backbone, here, but tannins are, pretty much, gone. This one is pretty smooth until I get a slight taste of alcohol at the very back of the palate.
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This is apparently the first ‘06 Lytton Springs pulled from the cellar. Apparently, this is the year I keep digging into younger vintages of Lytton Springs. The color is not as dark as I anticipated; instead of a dark purple it is more claret at the rim and then maroon at the core. The nose is all about Draper perfume, molasses, rhubarb, plum and spice. This is not as big and rich as the ‘05 opened earlier this year. It is rather more akin to a zin-turning-claret nose. The attack is all plum, molasses, brown sugar, rhubarb and Zin funk. Brambles and blackberry throw a few punches, but the palate willingly absorbs them. The tannins are not quite resolved, but soon will be. This is a blend of 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. Notes on the back - made in ‘08 - suggest drinking this “over the next ten years.” No need to hurry, for this will go longer. But you won’t be disappointed if one jumps in your hand. Only a few grains of sediment in the final pour. 14.7% alc. With roasted pork loin in molasses sauce. The pairing is smashingly good. Recommended.
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From a 375. Still forward fruit but also hot. Probably the least balanced Ridge I've had and it's not getting better. I'd say drink it while the fruit it still fresh since that can still help distract from the heat. Once that goes then you won't be left with much to enjoy.
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Absolutely excellent. Still very fruity with a great tannic backbone. Popped and poured. It improved over 3 hours. Red and dark fruits. Nice round tannins and a long, tasty finish. I wish I had more.
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Well rounded and still has a great spice. Tannins have calmed down but are still apparent. Lingering finish that paired well with filets on the charcoal grill.
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7 Deadly Zins…well, 8 (My place, parramatta, sydney): Pronounced intensity aromas of Plums, cherries, berries…a cornucopia or ripe fruit, even after 8 years - underpinned by spice, meaty notes - charcuterie, slight leather, cedar and vanilla. In the mouth the wine is juicy and plummy with red berry flavours, spice, very fine tannins that persist and lend weight to the fruit all of which carry on a very long finish. glorious.
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Dark red, very slightly brick at the edge. Dark berries, vanilla and alcohol. On the palate it is dark fruit, heat and the oak. Fairly long and a little dry.
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Ridge (At the Lytton Springs tasting room): Complex, forward nose, a lot of leather, good structure still, good freshness, some of the zin sweetness has evaporated but there is still a lot of fruit in there.
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Unlike earlier bottles which were solid but not great, this little juicebox was drinking beautifully. It had depth but still felt fresh. If you have 375s, you won't go wrong drinking them now.
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Very nice bottle. Good balance between the fruit (plum, blackcurrant) and more tertiary (leather, olive) aromas. At a very enjoyable stage with a good few years left.
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14.7% alcohol. This is drinking beautifully. Dark red color. Pretty nose of black fruit, spice, and minerals. In the mouth, highly structured and focused, with brambly black fruit, deep, earthy complexity, and strong acidity. Lots of life ahead of this. A-
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Rich, ripe, full of presence. Some minerally zingy helps lighten the back palate; this is useful as the fruit runs the risk of getting a little dead. Points for the age.
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Red fruit on the nose and full body still on the palate. Well integrated wine with tannin and acidity. Still had decent amount of fruit, dusty and rustic, the age did this wine well. Drink Now.
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From a 375. Lots of sediment in this one. Good deal of warmth on the back of the palate this time which distracted from an otherwise pretty good wine. There are some of those nice rustic qualities you often find in the old school Ridge zin blends. Plenty of fruit with some nice tannin to give it a good finish in spite of the alcohol. I would think this would continue a nice development but the alcohol was worrisome. Nice character overall.
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Aging well. Still plenty of fruit. taking on a hint of brick in color. Medium bodied with cherry, strawberry, cinnamon and other spices. Dried fruit on the finish. Drink now-2015.
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Lovely. Firm & friendly. Expansive, floral. Really nicely mature but still young. Can drink now or continue to cellar. Spicy, pepper. Beautiful. Very Ridge, represents just what I like in their wines. B+
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Big nose of rose, cherry, blackberry. Tons of blackberry, black cherry, plum on the tongue. Surprisingly light tannins for a Zin. Not likely to get much better. Drink 'em if you've got 'em.
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Drank from a half bottle and there still seems to be plenty of structure to allow it to age gracefully. I preferred it the next day, so decanting could be beneficial.
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This has certainly been an adventure. My last of the Empire 375s. This one almost comes across as a dessert wine - a touch sweet with chocolate & blackberies, light & integrated tannins/acid. That being said, it's perfectly drinkable without flaws, just not exactly what I'd expect for a zin. Drink now.
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The nose showed rich raspberry jam, blueberry skins, hints of brown sugar, spice and tobacco leaf. On the palate, it was full bodied, yet showed lively acidity, which kept it focused and food friendly. Spicy dark fruits lingered on the senses with a slight bitter twang lending a grounding element to the mix. Crushed florals, bitter cherry and a hint of grapefruit remained through the medium-long finish with just a bit of resolved tannin.
This wine is in a beautiful place right now, and may improve slightly over the next few years, yet I find it very pleasurable as is.
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The bottle level was base of the neck, so considerably lower than one would expect, but the cork was completely sound. Red currant jam and touches of raspberry with, unusually, no discernible oak. Totally different to what I was expecting based on past consumption but glorious none the less, it almost has a pinotesque note.
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OK... this is more like it! This bottle is mature, even a little brick at the edge. Nose shows abundant ripe black berries and vanilla. Pillowy and a little alcoholic in the mouth. Medium length.
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I was looking forward to this wine - as far as I can remember, the first aged zinfandel I've ever had. Loved the fruit & spice on the nose. Still some good fruit on the palate, with dark chocolate & dark berries. I found the oak a bit too noticeable for my liking, but an enjoyable drink overall.
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I don't think there's anything "faded" about this yet, lots of good fruit developing in a way that only Ridge does. Far more nuanced and interesting than in its youth, this was perfect with bison burgers and garden beets on the patio.
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This is a very light styled wine. Fruity, cherries, and a touch of oak. Easy to drink; would pair with some cheeses as an aperitif. Came from a 1.5 Liter bottle, which still had lots of flavor. Drink now, we are!
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Popped, decanted, vigorously aerated and poured. Plum, black cherry, vanilla, chocolate, slight herbaceous notes, slight tinned pear (but I'm looking for it so not sure about that)...over a couple of hours some leather and tobacco notes begin to appear. For me this is a wine that, once I've opened it and am drinking it, I wonder why I bother drinking anything else.
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Decided to pop another bottle tonight (1 day after the last bottle.) Near identical results. Very enjoyable. Silky smooth, but big enough to enjoy with a grilled steak and mushrooms. (With chili rub; excellent pairing!)
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A very tasty, silky smooth, Zin. The nose is somewhat shutdown showing light cranberry and spice. The palate however, explodes with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, spice, and licorice, with a hint of vanilla. Beautifully balanced with med+ acidity, it's pairs well with grilled fare. More complexity in the nose would have giving this a higher score.
Consumed from 750ml.
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Still drinking on the younger side. Lots of fruit left; black raspberries, plums and dark cherries. Great mouthfeel. No hurry on this. It opened nicely in the bottle after about 30 minutes.
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Plum backed up by black fruit, maple brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, good acidity. A very good bottle, was better on the second day so I'd say drink or hold.
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Another Empire 375. This time it is primarily chocolate/black cherry notes, light tannins/acid, a touch sweet. Not flawed, but not quite the expected flavor profile either.
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Good, ripe fruit, but a bit restrained, perhaps because it was not long out of the wine fridge. However, this may have had the effect of suppressing the jamminess that this wine sometimes exhibits!
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The nose showed a mix of raspberry and blueberry with a dusting of spice and the beginnings of tertiary development. On the palate it was medium-bodied, center focused and with gripping acidity. A mix of sweet crushed berries saturated the senses followed by minty notes. The finish showed an abundance of spice and tannin that clung to the palate.
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Deep garnet, almost black, very slow-moving legs at 14.7% abv. Medium-medium(+) developing and concentrated aromas, black fruits, cedar, laurel and hints of black pepper. Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium-medium(+) firm tannins, high alcohol, medium(+) body. Medium(+) flavours, of blackberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, 5-spice, liquorice. Well balanced tannins-acidity-alcohol-fruit. Complex, powerful concetrated palate precedes a medium spicy-sweet finish with lingering tannins and warmth.
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Red colour with a slight brown on edge. A very fresh nose with cranberry, raspberry and spice. Similar taste along with coconut and vanilla. High, bright acid and plenty of fruit. Great structure and balance. Very good and still young.
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This was delicious and no way near it's peak, just lovely - Dark, full bodied with a nose of sweet blackfruit, plum, bramble, spice and vanilla, excellent structure, balance and intensity, sweet on the palate with terrific length, delicious!! (93 Points).
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This is very enjoyable, a ripe but smooth wine; rather more elegant than the Geyserville; the fruit has a slight sweetness, but is not jammy; there is length and persistence.
From a half bottle.
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Did a vertical of the 2003 to 2007 Ridge Lytton Springs last weekend with our wine group. With the exception of the 06 & 07 all older wines were relatively close and we needed a few rounds to separate the better from the good. The 03-05 drank very nicely and quality generally followed age. Not sure if the 06&07 would get there eventually. The 07 had a distinct sulfer smell eventually wafted off after over an hour. The older wines were out of the bottle for about 30 minutes and opened up slightly over the next half hour - but not as much as I would have thought. 03 was the highlight - 92, 04 & 05 we rated 90 and 06 87 and 07 we rated 84.
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lovely wine! ruby with purple legs, not very opaque. nose of spices, clove, red fruit, chocolate, mint, herbs, very complex. excellent mouthfeel, round and supple without being too heavy, good acidity and still a healthy dose of tannins. very good balance. this can wait a few more years, but delicious now over grilled meat.
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Oinorama Wine Fair 2012; 3/17/2012-3/18/2012: (tasted at oinorama) Zinfandel 80%, Petit Syrah 16%, Carignan 4%. Evolved red (brick red maybe?) with almost brown hues. Mild coffee and leather aromas. Equally mild mouthfeel, full and ripe, a bit more acidity than it could have breaks the balance. It seems to be at its peak.
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Savory herbs, sage, freshly baked berry pie, dark chocolate, wild berry fruit on the nose. Black, purple and bramble red berry fruit. Sweet candy tones on the palate. Some big alcohol with a cough syrup note. Stewed wild berry compote favors with some fig, plum, bitter chocolate and sweet, dried prune and berry flavors. Some coriander. Spice and both white and black pepper in moderation. Finishes on a Christmas candy note mixed with berry tart. I had to amend this as following the first taste, the wine quickly falls into a flabby, oxidized prune stew. The cork broke upon opening, so perhaps the oxidation had begun and opening it accelerated the process. Unfortunate.
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Soft with less overtly spicy edge than I remember but then it's been a long time since I drank this wine and perhaps the vintage was a light one - pleasing but nothing sensational and not really my cup of tea
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From one of the Empire 375s. I have had two previously and both have been fine, but this smelled and tasted like muddy water initially. I let it sit open for another day and it improved somewhat with red fruit coming through, but was nowhere near the level of the other two.
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Opened two hours before drinking, poured a small glass to open up some headroom in the bottle. Black and red fruit on the nose plus dark chocolate; the same in the mouth, with some cassis and black pepper. Consumed over the course of the evening and the flavors continued to evolve and mellow through the last glass. In a good place right now with plenty of fruit showing and ample tannins remaining to celler for a year or two more.
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Tasted very much like a Ridge style wine. The zin aspect seemed subdued. It was tight and less fruity the first day, but the second, it opened up nicely and seemed to have better balance and integration.
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From a 375. Medium tannin behind strong dark Zin fruits. Good length and mouth filling. The tannins bring the finish clean even if the acidity is hiding a bit. Lots of fruit in here and it doesn't smack me with ripeness like it did almost a year ago. Very good in a bigger way right now but will clearly go another ten years if you prefer.
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Poured from 375 through vinturi and sat in the glass for about 20-30 minutes before tasting. Decent red fruit on the nose, but nothing overly enticing. The palate was very boring with little to no complexity and a touch of heat showing actually. Left a small taste for today, so hoping it improves - I'll sit on my last 375 for a while.
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Dark for a Zin. The OS playing a large role. Smoky plum fruit. This is smoky, liquid pleasure. NIce ripe restrained fruit, some decent tannins and oak playing off each other. Drinking well, integrated, youthful. Now and for several more years.
Day II. Just OK. This was not on inspiring vintage, left me a little concerned for other years. Help together nicely, just left me uninspired.
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Dark red. Red fruit, cardamon, basil, acohol,some secondary aromas. Good plum fruit, white pepper, light body, medium length. Holds promise for improvement
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Brambly nose; palate of zinberry, plum, cherry, does not lack for fruit,chocolate, but not overextracted, spice, reasonable acidity, slight heat but surprised to read 14.7%-- tastes as if lower-- long cherry finish. More exuberant than say Geyserville, but still a good example of zin.
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Saturated deep garnet, black no-translucent core. Medium rich and complex nose, fruit aromas seem suppressed; black plum, cherries, baked fruits, dark (80%) chocolate, pepper and liquorice/laurel spice, definitely framed in wood. Medium acidity, high tannins (yet they are so integrated that I kept changing my notes to medium, no high, no medium tannins ;-). Dark cherries, chocolate, black plum, roasted fruit, pepper aromas sit upon a very juicy mouthfeel yet without clear definition of the fruits. Full-bodied, well structured, tannins are interwoven yet the wine's structure and aplomb seems a bit small relative to the body weight. A very good wine. Value/money = 7
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Popped and poured. Medium-plus garnet hue. Aromas of dark bramble fruits, plum, herbs, and a touch of coconut from toasted oak. Medium to medium-plus body. On the palate, the fruit is much more lush and overall the wine seems to have put on a bit of weight and transformed into a richer expression than was previous. Flavors include ripe plum fruits, black raspberry, black cherry, pepper, spice, and just a touch of the herbaceous. The flavors are all framed by trademark Ridge toasted oak, which is never too heavy and enhances the fruit. Well-balanced, with moderate acidity. Although somewhat astringent, the tannins are surprisingly mellow on the moderate close. This should age well for many more years but is open at present and drinking quite nicely.
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From 375. Drank outside while watching the fireworks so no formal notes. Definitely needed at least 20-30 minutes in the glass for the heat to blow off (my wife commented that the alc was burning her eyes at first). Once in the glass for a bit, it was all ripe strawberries for days. Nothing super complex, but the zin dominated this blend and it was enjoyable to drink. Nothing earth shattering, but tasty.
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Orange-laced dark red. Raspberry puree, cedar, and fresh strawberry nose. Medium to full bodied, dirty cherries, herbs, leather, chocolate dust, well integrated tannins, spices, and a medium finish. Drinking well now.
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Consensus least favorite of a tasting of a number of Ridge wines. Not bad just not as good as some others. A bit closed with parmesan rind and raspberry note on the nose and palate.
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Holy Cr4p! PNP. WHOLE different experience than two months ago...Chocolate on the nose, red fruit, "Like biting a chocolate bar" on the palate (per the beautiful and intelligent Mrs. BBob). Smooth, integrated, though the tannin is still there if you look. Did 2 months make that much of a difference or is it a bottle variation thing? I LIKE this wine now. 89+ BBob, 90-92 Mrs BBob. Who wears the pants??
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2nd of my 4 375's from empire wine... raisiny/pruny, a bit harsh on the finish, really not that enjoyable... got a little better with air, but not dramatically... I'd be curious to do a side by side with my last 750 of this to see whats up.
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decanted for about 90 minutes. ate with smoked flank steak, and grilled veggies. nose was light got some raspberries, vanilla and a touch of vegtables. on the palate this wine has a nice mouthfeel, not quite as thick as I expected, but very nice. A nice bottle.
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Decanted approx. 2 hours ... The ripe fruit remains here but it's far smoother (esp. after decant) and more subtle than when we first tried it a few years back. Very dry, medium finish. Perfect Summer red ... Easy to drink and not overly weighty, yet still somewhat substantial. ... Served with grilled herb-rubbed striploin, salt potatoes and grilled asparagus.
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Smooth, fruity nose of both dark and red fruit- raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plum. Soft fruit notes on the palate as well, particularly blackberry and plum. Very balanced, well integrated tannins.
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Nice dark but ever-so-slightly translucent ruby red in the glass, the nose on this wine starts slowly, but gains richness over time. I have a very hard time placing the smells, but they are delicious. Almost like a plum-strawberry jam reduction over dusty white pepper and vanilla. On the palate, deep plums remain, but the strawberry has disappeared and instead a slight raspberry overtone appears in the background. The plums were evidently stewed in their skins, as there is a fair amount of bitterness here. There is some spiciness, still, as well, but it is more like red chilies and roasted red bell peppers. I was expecting a fair amount of tannin, but there was really very little. There also seems to be a lack of depth and complexity. The wine seems a little hollow to me, and the finish is fairly short and laced with way too much alcohol. Disclaimer: I have very little experience with Zinfandel. I bought this expressly because I thought it would be a good way to try a reliable Zin for reference. I'm not convinced I succeeded. At $12 for the split, I wouldn't really be too interested in trying this again. Take my score with a grain of salt, though, and listen to those with more Zin experience.
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PNP, maybe decant next time? This one's a "swing and a miss" for me, glad it was bought at discount. Decent nose that the palate doesn't live up to. Red fruit, primarily cherry. Plenty of tannin, enough acidity, but weak on the fruit. I'll hold the rest and try a bottlle in a year or so, but I'm not real optimistic... Edit: Some sign of life toward the end of the bottle, but the end of a 375ml comes real soon...
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We drank from a half-bottle and did not decant. Settled nicely in the glass and gave smells of very bright fruit and a sweetness of strawberry/ raspberry jam. Also had a scent of very mild cocoa and vanilla. Flavors were similar and gave a surprising punch of acidity that provided a lingering finish. That will certainly help the fruit hold up over time! Because of this, the tannins really only showed, for me, on the top and straight down the center of my tongue with the sharp acidity taking over the sides. Beautiful wine but I think will benefit greatly from some cellar time to settle in and let the structure balance out a bit.
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14.7% alcohol. Showing very well right now; it has really integrated nicely in bottle the past couple years. Dark red color. Lovely nose of spicy black fruit, with cool notes of mineral and earth. In the mouth, very refined already at this stage. The fruit is overt and really pretty, supported by bold spice and earth notes. Strong structure, with acidity and tannin. This is really nice and complete. A-
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Much better than the last bottle. Spicy, berry nose with nice tannins and acidity. Seemed to get better with air for a bit, then seemed to get a bit oxidized.
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Decanted approx. 1 hour ... This is a refined and restrained Zin blend. Very food friendly (doesn't overwhelm), with a sophisticated edge. The fruit has blended and, while it's definitely not in the background, it's much more mellow than when I first tasted this vintage. The entire feeling is of a very well-balanced, and well-made, wine.
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sampled my first RIDGE Lytton Springs juice box. Stored in 52 degree cellar since 1/11. P&P @ 64 degrees(yeah, I’m that geeky that I take it’s temperature) – nose is barely discernible-black fruit, cinnamon, cedar, vanilla and brier thatch palate is vegetal, muted fruit, harsh “green edge” a medicinal alcohol/bitterness is on the finish 68-70 degrees/ 15-20 minutes later- nose is much more black fruits, cedar/oak, vanilla custard palate is what ZIN is supposed to be.. dark fruit/cedar/oak, the “green edge” has turned into chewy tannins. That alcohol “burn” is there but not overbearing and the bitter finish is actually refreshing
I kept taking it’s temperature to see how the wine “acts” at various stages. I found that the “sweet spot” was actually 70 degrees (which is my house room temperature) any cooler and the wine gave off disjointed flavors. any warmer and the alcohol was too noticeable.
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PnPa 375ml, sipped after dinner. Similar notes to the last bottle, decent upon the attack, but strong and bitter tannins kicked in, and sapped my enjoyment...
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Very rustic, with pleasant berry and spice notes. Shows good restraint and balance, not over the top in your face like many zins I've had recently. From a 375ml bottle. Update: night 2- very similar to night 1, but with a very distinct dried cranberry component on both the nose and palate.
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Color: Dark purple. Nose: a little restrained, some floral notes, some forest floor mustiness, and red fruit at the end. Taste: Rhubarb juice! Then some strawberries, then black plums. Nicely integrated, decent finish. This could easily last 3 - 5 years more.
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80 pts. What has happened here? The previous bottles were disappointing but I believed they held promise. This bottle is vinous but is lacking any attractive characteristics. Is it a fake? I have never, in 25 years of drinking Ridge, tasted an insipid wine from them, until now. sad. The next day the last half of the bottle is showing some (a little), blackberry fruit and cinammon,; so 82
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This wine from a 375ml juice box order online is a mess...glad i only have 3 left at 10 bucks a piece....ouch hot...no fruit...some spice...ouch...bummer
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I must have lost my initial posting on this wine, but I recall it as being muted and alcoholic on the nose. Very tightly wound palate which never came around. Some spice, red raspberry. Short finish of muted fruit spice and alcohol. This may have suffered from travel shock, but I am not impressed with the first bottle.
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From a 375 - decanted a half hour. Nice dark fruit/ spice/ slight oak. Slight heat on the end. Nice - hopefully will develop more with time. Better than 1st bottle.
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Popped and vinturried from a 375. A bit raisiny/pruney, and kind of tight/closed on the mid palate and finish. Started to open up a bit more with some air, and the acidity picked up on the finish. Didn't live up to the 750ml I had about a year ago, and seems like a trend based on some recent TN's that note coming froma 375ml... save a bit of the bottle, will see if it improves on day 2.
day 2 - Slight improvement, but also showing signs of oxidation, so kind of a wash... I will wait a year or more for my next bottle..
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Showing its oak now over rich dense fruit. Not overly extracted but packed. The oak settles some on the 2nd night letting some spice show but these are really going to need some bottle time to show its best character to me. A nice big Zin right now without the overly ripe characters and heat found in some.
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Tasted on opening and there was spice and red fruit on the nose. Much lighter (in a good way) than expected. At a stated 14.7% ABV, it was fresh and only a little hot with bright ripe raspberry on the palate. Aired in the glass for an hour and it all changed. Very still wine then with much darker, coffee/cocoa flavors and a core of graphite and firm tannin. Nice weight and mouthfeel. Interesting wine the way it changed.
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PnP two 375 bottles of this wine. Was very disappointed in both. Neither had the fruit or mouthfeel of hte last bottle that I had. Faint hint of blackberry and some leather, but the tannins were strong and bitter. Maybe some airtime would have helped, but not near the bottle that I had last time
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Not impressed. Maybe I didn't let it sit long enough but way too much heat for me to enjoy. Last bottle I'll decant awhile and see if its any better, but the alcohol buried any other taste for me.
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Very intense nose - perfectly ripe red and dark berries, coffee bean, and a hint of vanilla. Also picked up some smoky herbal notes underneath the fruit. Just slightly jammy on the palate with luscious briary dark fruit mixed with some chocolate shavings and leather. Nice structure, but tannins were a little bitter on the medium finish. I definitely need to try other Ridge bottlings as I think this wine is solid but suffers a bit from the rough vintage. I do get a sense of the refined Zin approach that the winery seems to take.
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PnD let breathe for 2 hours. Solid claret colored zin not saturated. Eathry blackberry leather and tobacco nose. Light to medium weight not too tannic. Earthy blackberry flavors with a leathery finish. Fairly subdued and could use a bit more fruit. Good with Xmas turkey. Did not wow. Don't think it will get any better than it is now as it did not change much over the course of the several hours that it was opened and drunk.
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Admittedly quite disappointing for a high-end (and expensive) Ridge field blend. I will leave my remaining bottles for a couple years in hopes of improvement.
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Thanksgiving 2010 ... Decanted approx. three hours ... We'd had this vintage about six months ago from a restaurant wine list and thoroughly enjoyed it. This time out though it seemed lighter (ruby red color) and very sharp. Not undrinkable and definitely not corked, but not the smooth, rich blend I was expecting. Is the wine in a bad place right now or did we get an off case? Very disappointed considering our previous experience with this wine/vintage.
UPDATE: After further conversation and research I'm fairly convinced this wine was heat damaged at some point. I'm still hoping for resolution from the retailer, but I'm removing my rating as I do believe these bottles were/are flawed.
UPDATE 2: Ridge went above and beyond, to say the least, and not only replaced the three bottles they saw here as flawed, but did so with a full case. Amazing service!
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Consistent with prior notes generally; this wine is starting to come along. Dominant flavors are jammy red berries and pepper that kicks in and carries the finish. Has lots of life to go but is approachable now; an enjoyable 89-pointer.
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Okay, but not great. Started well, with flavors and mouth feel that we've come to expect from a Ridge Zin - plum, dark berries, floral dust on the nose; bitter cherry and tart minerality on the palate - but finish was short, flabby and thin. Maybe it was just this bottle, but a disappointment compared to other Ridge ATP selections.
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A beautiful California Zin blend. Wild blueberry, vanilla, and spice on the nose with a palate of mouthwatering berries and a firm tannic structure with hints of brown sugar and chocolate. Nice balance on the finish but not overpowering.
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Medium short finish, but overall a nice wine. Nice jammy but not over the top flavor. A hint of bbq dry-rub spice. Not the most memorable Ridge but quite tasty indeed.
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A bit rustic with black cherry, wild berry, green herbs, pepper and a bit of heat on the finish. Perhaps this will smooth out a bit over the next 2 years.
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Not perfectly clear, lighter colour than expected and hinting at some age. Good blackberry and raspberry fruit and herbs, too. Medium body despit 14.6% alcohol. Not the best Lytton Springs but the price is right (on sale for $25 as compared to typical $40 to $45 for lsat few years.)
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Very herbaceous nose with loads of dry sage and dried rosemary. On the palate, it's big and juicy with red and black berries and hints of herbs with earth and spice. Nicely integrated. - Tasted at Schreiner's Winers zin tasting 9/18/10
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Dark garnet color. The nose has darkish fruit, a little herbal character, and a slightly pruney note. The fruit is nice, and it's well balanced. Well made and enjoyable, but maybe slightly generic. Nice, moderate length finish.
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Someone left this at my house after BF 2.5. Decanted for about an hour. Very nice wine. There was a sense of floral aroma and flavor at the start, which was a surprise. Then a nice red fruit melange with some brambly herb and spices. Another outstanding effort from a winery that has proved for 40 years that they can turn out enjoyable wines at prices that do not cause heart attacks.
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Nat cork. A fairly clear purple. Original impression from nose in the glass was of too much oak, some caramel, and a bit of heat. After some time open, still quite a bit of alcohol on the nose, dark fruits and a bit of earth emerged. Medium body with sweet vanilla dominant over the fruit, bit of bramble too. Frankly not their best effort.
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Better than my prior bottle of 8 months ago. Nose of smoke, blackberry and brambles. Palate provides blackberry, raspberry, and earth, marred slightly by a pruny/rasin note. None of the alcohol heat picked up on the prior bottle.
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Practice; 7/19/2010-7/20/2010 (The Sampler - Islington): Appearance: clear, medium (+), ruby, legs. Nose: clean, pronounced and concentrated, developing, raspberry. Palate: dry, high alcohol (14.50%), full body, raspberry, coffee grinds, medium (+) length. Conclusions: very good, ready to drink, but can develop further. Quoted Price: £28.40 Comments: Organic, 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petit Syrah, 6% Carignan
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Perhaps my palate has been warped after tasting so many burgundy s in France. I found this a bit too jammy for me - heavy with no reason to be. Keep well, it could have been left another 10 years.
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Opened up nicely after a couple hours in the decanter. Draper perfume, briary fruits, nice food friendly acidity. Starting to settle down a bit and shedding some of its youthful fruit-brashness. Great with a simple steak dinner, and much better with food than without. Not a big, jammy style wine, but says Dry Creek and Ridge all day long.
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A good zin but a bit dry with tannins. I'm a sweet one!!! Understand that this wine is better after a few hours. I'll let you know. Not bad but not what I was looking for.
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Popped and poured at Mickey Mantle's ... Great Zin-blend that is big but not over the top. A hint of sweet, but with a crisp, tannic backbone and some nice spice, all wrapped in a smooth package that's a pleasure to drink. Reminds me a lot of the '07 Orin Swift Prisoner vintage. Very well balanced wine with a complex palate (berry fruit, spice, and a hint of sweet) and long finish. Doesn't hurt that this one smells absolutely heavenly. ... Paired with blue cheese tomato salad, crab cake and smoked filet. Really nice anniversary dinner.
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Lots of black currant and bramble fruit on the nose. Palate is vibrant, great balance of fruit and acidity. Refreshing if yet still full fruited. Really in a wonderful space right now. Delicious.
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Right in line with previous bottles. Still rather tight even after an hour or so of air. I would hold these while good now will probably be better later down the road.
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Deep ruby colour. Medium-pronounced nose of dark fruit (berries and plums), oak, vanilla some smokiness and some spice. Dry with medium acidity high tannins and full body. Flavours of dark plums berries, peppers with a medium length. Very good.
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2- hour decant. Opaque red/purple in the glass. Lots of earth on the nose with dark fruit jam, spice, campfire and vanilla. In the mouth: big flavors with tons of dark sweet fruit, wood, spice, smoke, copper. Huge sandpaper tannins stand up to all that flavor. Explodes on the midpalate and settles quickly. Still manages to feel elegant in the mouth, perhaps due to the long decant. Nice. 14.7% alcohol.
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Upon first inspection this wine is a fruit bomb. The oak and alcohol are obvious but the alcohol, is pretty well managed by the amount of fruit evident. I do find this wine a little one dimensional on the palate. Lots of smoky vanilla, pretty smooth and drinkable but not really all that exciting.
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On the pop and pour it is a little hot with dark fruit, strong tannins, and some oak and vanilla. This was drinking great at 1hr and I dove in at 1.5hr in the decanter the wine was nice and smooth with raspberry on the nose and tons of dark fruit like blueberry, and blackberry on the palate. It smells like and Raspberry. It tastes like Blackberry, Blueberry, and Raspberry. The body is Medium. The wine is textured Smooth. The wine finishes Long.
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This did not really appeal to me. Left it open for a few hours before drinking. Very rough. grippy tannins. Lots of vanilla, alcohol, and oak. Quite a great deal of fruit with a raspberry/blackberry liqueur note on the finish that lasts for awhile.
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Pop and Pour. Nice nose of raspberries, vanilla and black pepper. I really enjoyed the medium bodied smooth mouthfeel with a nice balance between the tannins and acidity. Initial burst of dark fruits that led to a peppery and vegetal mid palate and finish. I really like this.
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decanted for 1hour, lighter weight than expected, purple almost to the rim, great clarity, vanilla dominating the nose a little, i can taste sour cherry and blueberries with a little pepper and spice, getting a little leather too, smooth but still evident tannins, quite long and well balanced, i'd like to try it with a few more years under its belt
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Clear dark ruby redfruit on the nose with cherry and a touch of vanilla. Dry. High acidity. Medium body. Fruit. Tightly integrated (medium) tannin. Medium length.
Good quality. Be interesting to see what this is like in a few years. I think it could gain some complexity and some more secondary notes before it fades.
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Followed an '03 Bordeaux. By comparison, this was borderline fruit bomb. Rich raspberry flavors with some baking spice and a touch of oak. Really enjoyable bottle of wine
Decanted ~45 minutes, initially a little tight and not giving much on the nose or palate. Really started to sing around the 3 hour mark with some raspberry, prunes, spice and earth. More elegant and complex than your typical zin. Very nice.
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This wine is coming around nicely; just started to emerge from primary phase and show what it's going to become. The fruit is still at the forefront - juicy berry fruit with tar, licorice, a hint of spice in the mix. I think I will like this more in 3-4 years, shows ability to age. Oak is quite present now, when it recedes I will be happier. This is solid, and I see it getting to 91ish territory. 89+ for now.
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Good Zin. I was hoping that the Petit sirah would give this some more funky depth, but good overall. Served during Xmas dinner. Everyone loved it. Needs about an hour to round into form.
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Dark red as expected. Sketchy notes from my memory. This 375 ml bottle, room service at Houston hotel, did not impress. Clean and fruity and a little hard.. not the spicy vibrant fruit and creamy finish I was anticipating.
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Dense, inky color. Black raspberry, black cherry, light oak. Firm tannin, good acidity. Well balanced- not over the top zin fruit. A little tobacco, spice, and leather as well. Good compromise between myself, the old world lover, and my girlfriend, who likes california wines.
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Dark plum colour. Fresh, fruity with a bit of pepper on the nose. Delicious with plenty of fruit in the mouth. Tight initially and became very smooth when aerated. Moderate length.
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Popped and poured. Very dark color. Nose exploded from the bottle with loads of blueberry and blackberry. Palate adds some tar and leather, but is well balanced and drinking well right from opening.
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As a long time fan of Ridge Zins, this wine does not disappoint. This is well balanced no "over the top-ness." Nice black raspberry, black cherry and light oak notes. Good acidity. Lengthy finish. Interesting development in the glass, softening and gaining complexity over time. Should stand up for several years.
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Interesting but I'm not sure if I like this wine or not. It was slightly chilled when I first served it (just out of the cellar) and it had a nice restrained nose - a touch of caramel and chocolate but with a semi-rich palate and a touch of violet - but still very much American. As it warmed up it became fuller, less tannic and softer - then it was just warm and gloopy and hot. Then it changed again and had a dash of acidity and was quite tarte - 3 hours later it is half way between soft and tarte. Now it is not as full as expected but there is a lot of heat here and some green vegetal elemants. I am confused - it is soft, green, hot, tarte, tannic and then soft again. Now it has gone back to tarte and tannic. Interesting and hard to form an opinion. Not really sure Zin is my bag - decent and much better than the gloopy crap of most Zinfandel on this side of the pond, but too many question marks. Well made, but probably more and issue of the grape than the winemaking.
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On first tast was a bit disappointed. Very tannic w/med acidity. Not as much fruit as I am used to. As others pointed out, however, the wine defiinitely improved by the next night--would definitely aerate or decant. Second night got a lot more of the oak & fruit. I would definitely cellar this for another 1-2 years.
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Shiny reddish purple color. On the nose there is a slight green component almost like vicks vapo rub. Very drying tannins on the mouth which points to the inclusion of Petit Sirah. On the palate were plums, black cherries and more of the vicks vapo rub. Finish was short and clipped. Although this is a bit disjointed, I actually find myself enjoying it quite a bit. Would purchase again.
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Popped and poured. Medium garnet hue. Forward nose redolent of fruit and oak with subtle herbaceous notes developing with air plus spice and a hint of graham cracker. Medium body. On the palate, the fruit really shines...think ripe bramble fruits and black cherry intermingled with Ridge trademark notes of American oak. Very austere, with drying tannins and medium acidity just begging for food. Moderate finish. However, in typical Ridge this puts on significant weight with aeration and seemingly improves with each minute in glass. Probably best to cellar for another 1-2 years. Very tasty.
Quick commentary, this is certainly an "off" vintage of Lytton. However, it still possesses all of the traits that make a Ridge so wonderful, with trademark oak, bright fruit, and that savory, almost quenching quality that makes their wines so enjoyable. Maybe this isn't the style preferred by the modern wine consumer...but I love it.
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Popped and poured. Fairly light color. Nose has lots of red cherries, a noticeable dose of gym sock and wet dog, and a faint sweetness, like cherry cough medicine. On the palate, refreshingly light body, with healthy tannins and acidity. Spicy, restrained oak. There's even a hint of minerality. This is oddly Burgundian, like a young Cote de Beaune. This is a very different style, austere compared to the jam bombs of vintages past. It's a little simple, though, and the wet dog carries through on the palate, keeping this from being a great wine. Still, for $18, not a ripoff. Drinking well now, should hold for at least a few more years.
Update: Pumped the air out of the leftover half bottle, cracked it the next night. An unfinished glass left out for 5 hours was delicious, open and soft. This wine should have a long decant if you're planning to drink now. Bumped score from 87 to 89.
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Enjoyed over the holiday weekend while playing scrabble with wife...wonderul fruit flavors emerged as it opened up. An excellent value at $25 per bottle.
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Pop and pour. Plum and iron. Very rich sweet floral, flowers are alive. After 4 hrs open...deeper and richer fruit. Dark earthy barrel notes. Floral attack up front then finishing of sweet dark fruit.
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Thanksgiving. Very nice, but overshadowed a bit by its sibling 2007. Nice fruit, gaining complexity, works well with food, and seems to be coming into a nice window.
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Thanksgiving at the In-Laws: I know there are lots of reports about this being a weaker vintage, but as someone who drinks a fair amount of this wine each and every vintage, I find it to be another consistent Lytton Springs. Purple color. The nose shows black and red raspberries, a bit of briar, some oak, but not bad and some red licorice. On the palate, it is easy to drink with some tannins. The Zin is still in the forefront but I suspect this ages like most LS and the PS comes out over time. A big hit with the in-laws. Drank 2 bottles that were consistent.
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Had with Thanksgiving dinner, and liked it...well constructed wine, dark fruit in balance...fairly straight forward but smooth...while you can taste the influence of the PS, not too big or over the top...Best way to describe it is tasty...Would buy again, especially at the great <$19 price point...
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Notes from memory on Thanksgiving. Nose of briary red and black fruit. Much more refined and balanced than expected on the palate. Not your typical fruit forward zin, but very good. Can't beat it at $18.
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blueberry, bit of heat and tannis which still need to settle down a bit. won't touch the remaining bottles for a year or two. But clearly, it will always be wine for easy drinking nothing complex nor complicated.
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This isn't a super-challenging wine, but I'd say it's very very good. Delicious Zinfandel black fruit and blueberry flavors. Doesn't get raisin-y or over-ripe. Very clear visually- medium bodied, and a pleasure on the palate. Just a touch of grip on the back-end. Roundly enjoyed by everyone who tasted it.
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This does lack concentration compared to many other vintages, but it still has the complexity and balance you expect from Lytton Springs. Ridge zins are often called "Bordeaux style" and sticking with that comparison this vintage is more like an old school elegant claret than a more modern powerhouse. At $18 a bottle (almost half the normal cost) this is a tremendous value, especially if (like me) you adore Ridge wines.
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OK, not biggest most concentrated Lytton, but clean blackberry meets black raspberry fruit, a hint of vanilla, oregano/herb notes. Underbrush, earth, but mostly about berry fruit. Some tannins. Good, not great. B
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Went well with food but nothing special. Dark red color. Nose of blackberries and grapey fruit. Flavors of berries with leather, oaky finish, and medium tannins. Simple structure. Would have liked more black pepper, more complex fruit but decent bottle from challenging vintage for this vineyard.
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Lots of oak and heat on the nose with dark fruit, blueberries and blackberries and some cherry. Medium to full body with medium legs. Full bodied on the palate with spice and peppe. A hint of liquorice and even strawberries. Very smooth on the front end with a kick at the end with a lingering spicy finish. Not complex at all and lacks structure and balance IMHO. I think this does much better if paired with food rather than as an everyday drinking wine.
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Shaking out to not be the greatest vintage of this wine to me. Very muscular on the back end, almost rasiny on the front. Not harmonious. Give another year to round out and check on again.
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Initial impressions - good enough, quite honestly on the nose the wine presents itself as grapey on the nose to begin...after some time the cedar/leather aspects crept in - fine wine, sure, great wine, not even close.
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rich garnet color a little lighter than expected. i got blackberry and earth on the nose. Has all the zin bramble that I love with a much smoother mouth feel, hardly noticed the alcohol at all. Good flavor of black cherry, earth and menthol (?) with a medium long finish. Went very well with new york strip and broccoli. I like this one a lot though I do prefer the geyserville. This was a bit more thin but none the less this is a wine I would have for most others in this price range.
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Aromas of blackberries and graphite lead to firm flavors of wild berries, minerals and spice, with a touch of cedar and splash of eucalyptus on the finish. Restrained and elegant, as it were, but a complex mouthfull of wine. The alcohol content is high -- 14.7%! -- but the wine is so well balanced you'd never know it. A great example of the Ridge style. Recommended.
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Dinner at Boudro's and they ran out of my favorite Seghesio and recommended this wine. Popped and poured and within minutes there was wonder fruit, oak and berries on the nose. Dark plum color with nice medium to full body balanced tannins and just enough hint of spice from the petite syrah to make it interesting. Too busy eating quail, which paired famously, to concentrate on nuances and notes so I'm off to purchase another and further investigate the subtleties of this wine.
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Zinfandel (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): lean blackberry, quite stoney. light on it's dark earth. lean bittersweet chocolate. 06 was a lighter vintage. geyserville tends more to dark earth and smoother. lytton tends to iron, mineral, and bramble.
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How not to love this wine? So reliable, such good value (even at $40 east coast price, grumble), and yet entirely its own thing. More structured than a straight Zin, more peppery and earthy than a Cali Cab/Meritage, easier drinking than most old world offerings. High alcohol with barely any heat. Not a deep thinker, but a great all-arounder and a winner every time.
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Philadelphia Wine Festival (Marriott, Philadelphia PA): not up to what i expect from lytton springs, one of my favorite wines and always a great value. the finish saves this, but I prefer the 04 and 05 (and hear the 07 is outstanding!)
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Nose of brambly dark berries. Nice level of spice. Notes of wet gravel and stone. Great tannic structure with dusty blackberries. Nice rock quarry feel to the wine. Sharpness on the finish. Still a bit young, but very good.
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Broad with beautiful floral aromatics, baking spices, and dense berry fruit. Dark, stiff tannins hold the whole thing together. Long tobacco finish. Classy, expansive and pretty like a typical Ridge. Is it just me, or is the Ridge profile getting sweeter? Still, a very nice classy wine. B
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Decanted for only 30 minutes. Full of tannins which mellowed out a bit after an hour. Berries were prevalent, a smokiness and tobacco flavored lingered as well. Time would make this wine even more balanced with the fruits coming out more.
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Raisiny, alcoholic nose with nice hints of tar, earth, molasses. Smooth, concentrated in flavor. Tannic, but enjoyable now. A little too stewed on the palate for me. Somewhat similar to Three Valleys in overall flavor profile/ balnce with earthy elements.
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Slightly translucent garnet color. Charming full nose of raspberry and plum framed by brown sugar, cedar, and forest floor. Forward fruit flavors of dried cranberry, dried black cherry, some toasted oak, mocha, and white pepper. Beautifully dusty and earthy structural tannins...chalk and soil with a little graphite. A hint of creme brulee finds its way in. Moderate, dry finish. This will hit its prime in a couple more years. Has a similarly elegant character and profile to a high quality, feminine Cabernet like a classic Margaux. Very delicious.
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Popped and poured. Big nose full of fruit. Red raspberries and plums, spicy and slightly peppery, velvety texture with light tannins....very pleasurable to drink with a flavor that lingers. Quite a nice Zin.
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Wine 4 of Ridge Zinfandel Tasting: A really big nose of thick and rich blackberry. Kind of jammy. I was getting a intriguing gaminess that I enjoyed. Slight hints of cedar and menthol with some of the Dry Creek Valley bramble. Big blackberry flavors. Very fresh and juicy flavors, not thick or jammy on the palate. Nice, fairly grippy, tannins. A great, long finish of spicy berry.
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Nice bottle of zinfandel. Popped and poured into the decanter which seemed unnecessary. Was very fleshy right out of the bottle with a big jammy nose or raspberry, strawberry and briar patch underbrush. Palate was a bit more structured with big fruit, cocoa and graham notes.
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Less complex than expected. Initial, open nose with blueberry, damson plums ("krikon") and blackcurrant. After two hours, more of red fruit - cherry? Ok acidity, fairly low tannins. "Noisy" character with impresssions coming and going, one second tannic - one second flat. Young! Needs time to settle.
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Good but too young to drink right now. A bit tight on palate and nose, good length and finish, complemented ribs well. Needs some time to show its stuff, but probably headed for very good in a year or two. 89+
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My wife and I are not big Zinfandel fans but when it comes to Ridge, we always make an exception. These guys know how to make Zinfandel and in my opinion, they are probably one of the top 2 or 3 Zinfandel producers in California, if not the world. They do a wide range of Zinfandel blends ranging from low to relatively high priced and the Lytton Springs bottling is just a little north of the middle in the price range. Great juice here with lots of fruit and depth with just a touch of a blackberry jam flavor. This is an excellent bbq wine that a lot of people will enjoy.
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(16% Petite Sirah, 4% carignane) Nose - warm red fruit, a little hot. The Zin and Carig really show. Hint of fudge, raspberry. A touch of heat, zest, chalky mineral, roasted plum, boysenberry, dusty tannin, smoke. Needs time. (90+ pts.)
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not ready; black cherry with tannic backbone to start; softened in the glass, but still not quite integrated; will undoubtedly improve, but the geyserville was much more approachable for now
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Very pleasantly surprised. I generally enjoy Ridge Zins as pedestrian, every day drinkers (usually with food), but this one was a step up in quality. Great brambly red fruit, some smoke, herbs and pepper. Silky, juicy acidity, and a decently long finish. Great complexity and balance for a wine at this price.
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12/4/2022 - StefanAkiko Likes this wine: 82 Points
This is a good wine, on its hopeful way to become very good. But there are some things in its way… And I honestly don’t think it will ever get there.
It sports some foul aromas, even if taste is good and long. Pure fruit isn’t here.
Complexity isn’t there.
Length isn’t there.
Intensity is almost there.
Legend? Never…
I first fell in love with Ridge in the late 1900-eds, as it was an amazing $20 wine. That was some less gray-haired years back, and it was great! This wine is still great! However, it's still a $25 wine, with a $65 price tag.
I get it: capitalizing on your well built brand name. Well, it only catches those late to the party AND they'll always be looking for the next party…
Tonight, I decided to stop purchasing Ridge wines. There are so many other amazing districts, wine makers and deals available… I mean: if you still count under 200 regions on CT, keeeep exploring!
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3/17/2022 - Ardross Likes this wine: 92 Points
Last bottle of 12 - light on its feet , very fine.
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3/9/2022 - eporres Likes this wine: 92 Points
2006 RidgeVineyards Lytton Springs. There’s still zome zing in this #zinfandel. Cherry dominates, cola, black licorice, vanilla, white pepper, tannins completely smooth. A treat. #92points.
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5/1/2021 - king-bing wrote:
This was lovely. What I thought would be heavy was superbly light and energetic. A total joy.
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11/25/2020 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 93 Points
Haven’t opened a lot of Ridge lately but, have over my life. Still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge. Not even one corked.
I also learned a long time ago, never open Ridge reds young.
The nose reveals, ruby, candied, spice driven, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & creamy raspberries. White pepper, dark, medium spice, anise to black licorice, vanilla, clove, touch of nutmeg, alcohol vapors, mixed berry cola, dark, rich, turned earth, grey volcanics, limestone, dry, crushed rocks with bright, candied; dark, red, purple & blue florals framed with in soft field of violets & lavender.
The palate is rounding up to its peak but, it is still ascending. The tension, structure, length & balance have started their prime integration. The tannins have round, tarry, meaty baby teeth. Ruby, candied, spice driven, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & creamy raspberries. White pepper, dark, medium spice, anise to black licorice, vanilla, clove, touch of nutmeg, alcohol vapors, mixed berry cola, sweet tarriness, used, French expresso grounds, moist clay, warm, well done toast, touch herbaceous tree sap with bark, eucalyptus, some mint, dark, rich, turned earth, grey volcanics, limestone, dry, crushed rocks & top soil, oak barrel shavings with bright, candied; dark, red, purple & blue florals framed with in soft field of violets & lavender. The acidity is round & refreshing. The long, well balanced, ruby, lush, elegant finish loads as juicy fruits rounding into a great combination of earth & spice persisting for days.
Not quite the perfect pizza pairing but, the evening was put together last minute & I wanted to open the 97 Phelps Syrah. This was my back up bottle in case the 97 hadn’t held up. Somehow, the Ridge got opened as well. I hate it when that happens.
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8/16/2020 - KVM wrote:
subdued, soft, pillowy, almost lush.
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7/28/2020 - grapenomad wrote: 92 Points
Ridge is always bang on with the quality. This Lytton Springs shouldn't be excluded from that statement. Lots of development on the '06, but lots of life left here as well. Some rich fruit concentrations is accompanied by notes of cigar, licorice, dried figs and orange peel. Tannins are expressed, but fine with an acidity just right to keep everything bright. Long, dry finish.
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4/16/2020 - bgriffi1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Was excellent. Lots of life left in this wine. Great balance of fruit and tannin.
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4/12/2020 - vinhonotte wrote: 88 Points
Cellaraid Discovery Box; 5/19/2017-5/26/2021 (Delivered to Home): Deep ruby core with a bit of garnet fading edges. A developed nose, with quite a bit of dried roses, cocoa, nutmeg, meat stew, and a rather weird heaty volatility, even somewhat caramelised. High tannins, an overload of alcohol heat which distracted, with lots of nutmeg and paprika spices, tar, bits of ripe blackberry, mint and cocoa. Yes I guess the finish was long, but that was almost only a roasted caramel chocolate, and a bit of flowers
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2/17/2020 - rossi.wine wrote: 92 Points
Expressive and open on the nose - notes of liquorice, dark fruit, spices. Concentrated and generous. On the palate well balanced, good density and concentration, fresh, nicely structured, good length. Drink or keep, no rush. 91-93
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1/1/2020 - timewithwine wrote:
Oh, my goodness! What a nose and what a palate! Popped an poured without any slo-ox, and yet the color is a youthful, full-on maroon at the core. Ample Draper perfume, molasses, rhubarb, plum and spice (cinnamon) on the nose. Plum, molasses, brown sugar, and rhubarb, followed by brambles and blackberry on the palate. Fully resolved tannins. The mouthfeel is almost velvety; rich and full bodied, but with excellent balance. I can’t imagine that this will continue to improve, yet it has sufficient structure to hold its own for several years. 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. Some slight sediment. 14.7% alc. With Valdeon, champignon and an Italian farm cheese with peppered rind and crusty bread from the Wmsbg Cheese Shoppe (the Valdeon worked only if the Coleman’s mustard and ham was on the bread as well). Recommended, but leaning strongly toward Highly Recommended.
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12/23/2019 - Ardross Likes this wine: 92 Points
Another very lovely bottle as for two previous notes
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11/27/2019 - empire80 Likes this wine: 92 Points
My last bottle from 12 and probably the best yet. The initial drinking window suggested was hopelessly young, and the wine was at that stage frankly underwhelming. But with 10+ years this has really come into its own, with some fading fruit, rich black olive and gentle spice, and a hint of licorice on the finish - beautifully balanced!
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8/9/2019 - IlonaN wrote: 88 Points
Opened with dull aromas of barrel funk and minimal fruit. Definitely not corked but very closed down. It took about 2 hours for the wine to start opening up and we probably didn't wait long enough for it to develop fully.
Drinkable but not in the league we expected a Ridge LS to exemplify.
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8/4/2019 - vinhonotte Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cellaraid Discovery Box; 5/19/2017-5/26/2021 (Delivered to Home): Somewhat like a black-green depth of leaves and liquorice on the nose. Continues to have this huge depth on the palate, intense and some resolved tannins, yet the acid is still mouth-watering. Liquorice, plum, cassis, and some savoury meats and nuttiness, and mocha. Great complexity!
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5/18/2019 - blackcrowb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking this was like reading a copy of "Tobacco Road" as along with the berry fruit there were smells and tastes of washtub, wet wood ash, barn board, earth and hay. It is in a good place right now with no decrepitude.
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3/16/2019 - Ardross Likes this wine: 92 Points
Gosh amazed how cheap this was when I bought it ten years ago less than £20 a bottle it continues to age beautifully and has such balance unlike all too many Zins of today
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3/3/2019 - MichielV wrote: 90 Points
@ game dinner with Bob T, Catherine and Taylor. Next to the 2008. This was great upon opening, good color, nice fruit and spice on the nose. On palate very fresh but you could taste some age. Overall yummy. Medium weight and elegance vs the 2008 which was bigger and bolder. Frankly based on my past few years experience with these aged zins I wasnt expecting the world but these were GOOD. The 2006 is drink - the 2008 can hold (but why wait other than for experiment).
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1/8/2019 - drmarclevine wrote: 91 Points
From a 375. Cherry cola and camphor are immediately evident on the nose. Spicy black cherry and some charcoal notes in the mouth with a long, deep finish. Wish there was a bit more acid for balance. Didn't hang together completely but was fine with pasta bolognese.
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1/1/2019 - MichielV wrote: 90 Points
Next to the 05 and 04. This was OK and interesting but clearly fading. Probably should have drunk at 10 yrs old. JH and Roosje visiting. Lambchops.
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1/1/2019 - empire80 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very consistent with my recent notes - still in a very good place, has aged very gracefully.
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12/22/2018 - MichielV wrote: 89 Points
W porkroast at J&R with Greg and Jamie. Next to the 2005. This was better imo vs what others thought. More of a wine vs 2005 nearly gone. Still good fruit and length - drink up though.
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12/3/2018 - quickben Likes this wine: 89 Points
Finally getting around to this case and it is definitely one that will repay opening over the coming months. Some good tertiary notes with very smooth tannins and a lovely long finish. Perhaps should have got to this earlier but it s very forgiving
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11/18/2018 - KVM wrote: flawed
Corked
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5/31/2018 - empire80 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very much in its drinking window, and consistent with my last note.
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2/27/2018 - Ardross wrote: 91 Points
How well this wine ages - lovely balance , super fruit and long finish and it wears its alcohol very lightly.
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2/16/2018 - NoWineWiz Likes this wine: 89 Points
The best (and last) bottle of the 5. Well balanced with red & black berries, mild tobacco and just hint of white pepper. The tannins were soft but noticeable on the medium finish.
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11/25/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 87 Points
As company keeps popping these, I get to taste the bottle, temperature, and air variations. Pop & pour and warm - dark berries, dill, and very rich sweetness (even a bit candied sweetness).
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11/23/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 89 Points
Best bottle yet, with much cleaner blackberry notes (with some oaky vanilla and dill) and somewhat less drying than previous bottles (but still drying).
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11/22/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 88 Points
Berries, herbs, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, sweet mixed berries, sage, and dill. Bit drying on the palate.
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11/20/2017 - jeffal66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
First, the nose. Smoke, musk, remarkable. On the palate, good intensity, medium tannins, vegetable notes, smoke, leather, coffee, medium-plus length on the finish. The secondary, green characteristics are more prominent now but the wine still shows balance and intrigue at this advanced age. An hour of decanting recommended.
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8/25/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 88 Points
Sweet red fruit, vanilla, and some savory and herb notes. Mostly fruit and a bit of flowers. The tannins are mostly resolved but a bit drying, and the concentration is not comparable to better vintages of Lytton.
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8/14/2017 - Guy Des Rosiers Likes this wine: 88 Points
Beautifully mature (dried leaves, tobacco), yet still redolent of sweet red fruit and mostly resolved, soft, fine tannins. Medium bodied, slightly off-dry on the attack, with balanced acidity and long length. Very nice indeed.
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7/12/2017 - MichielV wrote: 91 Points
Brought to Dana and Anne's for Nantucket weekend. Had this with grilled flyed lamb shoulder. The meat was absolutely superb and this was a great evening. The wine fit the meal excellent. We opened and decanted one hour. Color was great, had some maturity. Nose was medium weight, good fruit and spice. On the palate this absolutely spoke beautifully. Classic Lytton Springs. Good length and just very interesting and it stayed interesting. Not big but special.
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6/25/2017 - chatters wrote:
decanted and consumed over two hours...all the usual backed by leather notes and touches of age. I must confess it kind of evaporated...
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6/8/2017 - timewithwine wrote:
The color of claret leaning to maroon and then a full on maroon at the core. The nose is full with Draper perfume, molasses, rhubarb, plum and spice. Plum, molasses, brown sugar, and rhubarb, followed by brambles and blackberry on the palate. Fully resolved tannins. 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. This is a sleeper wine. It may not be flashy, but it is mighty fine wine. Some slight sediment. 14.7% alc. With flank steak. Recommended.
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6/4/2017 - chatters wrote:
3rd Annual 7 Deadly Zins (well, about 15 this time) (Wayne's place in Darlinghurst): From Coravin. Muted and closed, slight cherry and sweet spice, leather, prune. In the mouth it's bond dry with leathery notes, bitter leaf, black tea backed by chalky and gritty tannins. Not really any fruit. Perhaps a good decant will help revive this?
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6/4/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 85 Points
This is not a vintage of Lytton that I ever enjoyed, and it is not improving with age. Dry flowers, dusty red fruit, and tobacco. Somewhat unripe medium tannin. Medium-plus acid. Quite drying on the finish.
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3/17/2017 - empire80 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking really well now, red fruit, hint of sherbet, tannins still firm but in balance.
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3/3/2017 - rjsmall Likes this wine:
Deep red colour with a slight brown edge. Liquorice, tar, tobacco on the nose. Dark fruits flavours with forest floor, truffles, leather and tar. Fine grained tannins. Smooth with well balanced acid. Opened beautifully over two hours. Drinking very nicely and sad to say it was my last bottle.
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2/28/2017 - Mlermontov wrote: 90 Points
sweet raspberry, ripe notes. touch of tobacco. mid is full of good black and red fruit. perhaps a touch of alc there. tart delicious finish. excellent food wine - with tons of floral aromatics and solid though not heavy mid to support the food. over time - more perfume and raspberry on the nose. really pretty.
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2/24/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 87 Points
Dark berries, dill/oak, some herb, and some VA notes on the nose. Spicy palate shows dusty flowers and earth, but not much fruit. Would guess a much older Ridge than 2006. The tannin is approachable but a bit harsh, with drying (wood?) tannin and cedar through the finish. I have no idea if, with time, this become more shrill and drying or actually improve with some oak integration, but I suspect the former. Drink now.
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1/20/2017 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 89 Points
Berry compote, oak notes, pine; palate of berries, herbs, cigar box. Less fruity than the 2013 East Bench had alongside. Drink now.
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12/24/2016 - KVM wrote:
Fruit is still forward, but not as prominent as the alcohol.
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12/17/2016 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 88 Points
Dark fruit, bramble, leather, and cedar on the nose. Cherries, herbs, and a lot of oak spice on the palate. Quite rich; medium-plus acidity, medium-low approachable but somewhat green tannin. Finishes with dark fruit and oak spice. Very consistent with my past notes. Hoping for more oak integration with time.
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11/24/2016 - indiscriminate palate wrote:
First bottle in a year and it hasn't budged much--up or down--in the last year. Berries on the nose, with emerging leather and cigar. Black cherry, green herb, spicy oak, and a bit of earthy/savory notes on the palate. Low tannin, good acid, medium-plus body. Sour raspberries and plums with some spicy cedar notes trough the medium-long finish.
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11/18/2016 - EMark wrote:
“Prune” color in the glass. Nose of black berry, but, also, with a sour tinge. Light on the dark berry flavor on entry. In fact, definitely the lightest-bodied LS I think I’ve ever had. Again, a sour tinge on the edge of the tongue. Some earthiness mid- to rear palate. I think this one may be well past its prime.
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11/10/2016 - MRichman wrote:
Very nice, round, full. This is a really nice bottle of wine. Fully mature, missing some of that youthful energy, but replaced it with good secondary flavors.
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9/5/2016 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid zin. Still has plenty of fruit and spice. Love these Ridge zins with some bottle age.
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9/2/2016 - mark_m_owen wrote: 88 Points
A bit of bramble, some cherry. Good 'mouthfeel'. A bit simple - not much development in the mouth. Better when blowing the alcohol off. Tidy, but unexciting. Not great value - paying 20%+ for the label I feel.
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5/17/2016 - askoje wrote: 90 Points
Medium dark red color.
Big nose with dark fruit, mostly blackberries. Also nice notes of oak spice and cocoa dust. Excellent texture and tannins. Nice acidity and delicate fruit. A nicely balanced LS that I should have opened a few years ago. A true Ridge blend, well made in all aspects and nothing is excessively done. Would pair it with grilled steak with lots of herbs and spices.
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5/14/2016 - mark_m_owen wrote: 88 Points
Darkish. Powerful nose, a bit funky. Black fruits, some spice after the food and alcohol blew off but not quite in balance. Wood/oak felt clunky.
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3/28/2016 - BenSwetnam wrote: 90 Points
Drinking perfectly right now. Definitely don't wait any longer. All bramble, berries, jam, earth, and funk.
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3/12/2016 - Fatty Cat wrote: 89 Points
Ridge tasting at the Rheingau Gourmet Festival 2016: full dark red color; bouquet of vanilla, medicinal notes and red fruits; the red fruit aromas strongly enhanced after pivoting; same impression in the mouth; surprisingly light body and short finish.
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3/10/2016 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 90 Points
A Ridge Lytton Spring Vertical and a few others (our home): To me this drank the closest to peak. Its about as good as it is going to get. That is pretty good, but a step behind most with not much chance to improve. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black cherries and dust. Great texture. Black cherry fruit. Decent acidity. Nice finish. Some complexity but not a lot.
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1/30/2016 - BURGHen Boy wrote: 89 Points
Beautiful dark fruit with nice strong zin character. Wood and acid come nicely into balance. A bit flat to end, may have missed the optimal window by a year. from a 375
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1/10/2016 - the shrub wrote: 63 Points
For the firsttime ever a ridge bottle goes too long. Undrinkable. Poor enough to put down the sink. Very disappointed.
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12/27/2015 - empire80 Likes this wine: 91 Points
This has really improved with some age. Soft redcurrant and gentle spice. Completely changed with a few extra years in the bottle.
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12/12/2015 - mark_m_owen wrote: 89 Points
Nicely balanced. Black and red, soft tannins, a little spice and a very rounded texture.
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11/27/2015 - indiscriminate palate wrote: 89 Points
Loads of dark berry and cigar. Richer than many other vintages. Spicy dark berries, white pepper, some tobacco and sandalwood. Medium-long sweet berry finish. Nice acid and fairly little tannin. Good now, but holding. Yum.
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8/28/2015 - NoWineWiz wrote: 86 Points
PnP. Decent red fruit on the nose and palate along with a little vanila. Medium-bodied with barely-noticeable tannins and a medium finish. Balanced, but not as good as I'd hope from this maker. One more to go.
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8/21/2015 - Lucy Peju Likes this wine: 96 Points
Fantastic!
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4/25/2015 - chatters wrote:
2nd Annual 7 Deadly Zins tasting…well, 10 (My place, parramatta, sydney): Spice, biscuit, slight toast, red cherry and berry, vanilla then plum as well as some alcohol heat prickle to the nose. In the mouth the wine is juicy with flavours of plum over cherry, quite savoury but vanilla notes here as well. Tannins are only just discernible, very silky. Long. Lovely
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3/28/2015 - SteveG wrote: 90 Points
Second bottle of three, old-timey zinfandel blend, like a fruity mature Bordeaux. 35 years ago when these were a few dollars, this was a fabulous idea, now it is more of a curiosity, but a tasty one.
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3/15/2015 - thelostverse wrote: 88 Points
Opened with BBQ ribs. This wine has been all over the place for me. This was not the worst showing, nor the best. Very subdued with more of a secondary taste profile than 5 years ago. This was my last bottle and I won't miss it.
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2/6/2015 - MLipton wrote:
Rich and plummy, with silky tannins and a pronounced mineral note.
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1/25/2015 - NoWineWiz wrote: 87 Points
Don't remember particulars, only that it was better than previous bottles.
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1/15/2015 - pkatz Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not one of the best Lyttons but improved with age and drinking well now.
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12/27/2014 - KVM wrote:
In good condition
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12/20/2014 - theplatz wrote: 74 Points
Wine was not good. Lifeless. Seemed well past prime. Disappointing since liked this wine a lot previously.
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12/5/2014 - kosinski wrote:
Aroma: Spicy aromas of plums, cherries and leather.
Palate: Light to medium bodied flavors of plums, pomegranate wood spice. Noticeable acidity. Good with food. Drink now or hold.
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11/24/2014 - EMark Likes this wine:
Not a lot of fruit on entry to the mouth—typical LS blackberry notes, but not in your face. Fairly light-bodied for a red (let alone a Ridge LS), but an enjoyable wine to drink. There is still acid backbone, here, but tannins are, pretty much, gone. This one is pretty smooth until I get a slight taste of alcohol at the very back of the palate.
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11/13/2014 - timewithwine wrote:
This is apparently the first ‘06 Lytton Springs pulled from the cellar. Apparently, this is the year I keep digging into younger vintages of Lytton Springs. The color is not as dark as I anticipated; instead of a dark purple it is more claret at the rim and then maroon at the core. The nose is all about Draper perfume, molasses, rhubarb, plum and spice. This is not as big and rich as the ‘05 opened earlier this year. It is rather more akin to a zin-turning-claret nose. The attack is all plum, molasses, brown sugar, rhubarb and Zin funk. Brambles and blackberry throw a few punches, but the palate willingly absorbs them. The tannins are not quite resolved, but soon will be. This is a blend of 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. Notes on the back - made in ‘08 - suggest drinking this “over the next ten years.” No need to hurry, for this will go longer. But you won’t be disappointed if one jumps in your hand. Only a few grains of sediment in the final pour. 14.7% alc. With roasted pork loin in molasses sauce. The pairing is smashingly good. Recommended.
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11/10/2014 - WetRock wrote:
From a 375. Still forward fruit but also hot. Probably the least balanced Ridge I've had and it's not getting better. I'd say drink it while the fruit it still fresh since that can still help distract from the heat. Once that goes then you won't be left with much to enjoy.
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10/7/2014 - Blue Shorts Likes this wine: 93 Points
Absolutely excellent. Still very fruity with a great tannic backbone. Popped and poured. It improved over 3 hours. Red and dark fruits. Nice round tannins and a long, tasty finish. I wish I had more.
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10/7/2014 - drcoop wrote: 93 Points
Loved it
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9/20/2014 - egd584 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Well rounded and still has a great spice. Tannins have calmed down but are still apparent. Lingering finish that paired well with filets on the charcoal grill.
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8/29/2014 - MichielV wrote: flawed
Corked
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8/16/2014 - chatters wrote:
7 Deadly Zins…well, 8 (My place, parramatta, sydney): Pronounced intensity aromas of Plums, cherries, berries…a cornucopia or ripe fruit, even after 8 years - underpinned by spice, meaty notes - charcuterie, slight leather, cedar and vanilla. In the mouth the wine is juicy and plummy with red berry flavours, spice, very fine tannins that persist and lend weight to the fruit all of which carry on a very long finish. glorious.
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8/7/2014 - KVM wrote: 87 Points
Dark red, very slightly brick at the edge. Dark berries, vanilla and alcohol. On the palate it is dark fruit, heat and the oak. Fairly long and a little dry.
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7/22/2014 - Omar Khayyam Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ridge (At the Lytton Springs tasting room): Complex, forward nose, a lot of leather, good structure still, good freshness, some of the zin sweetness has evaporated but there is still a lot of fruit in there.
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7/21/2014 - MRichman wrote:
Very good. Mid plateau. I miss some of the youthfulness, but this is maturing very well.
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7/15/2014 - mraabpfg wrote: 91 Points
very good win blend
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6/2/2014 - Grape_ape wrote:
last 375... really can't beyond the pruney, port like nose on this, and it carries over to the palate as well.... not a fan.
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5/26/2014 - AccaDacca wrote: 87 Points
Better this time around, less jammy, more rounded.
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5/26/2014 - hjrich wrote: 86 Points
A little green; not jammy but also not showing what I had expected.
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4/21/2014 - Mig22 wrote: 92 Points
Unlike earlier bottles which were solid but not great, this little juicebox was drinking beautifully. It had depth but still felt fresh. If you have 375s, you won't go wrong drinking them now.
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4/5/2014 - rjsmall Likes this wine:
Very nice bottle. Good balance between the fruit (plum, blackcurrant) and more tertiary (leather, olive) aromas. At a very enjoyable stage with a good few years left.
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3/31/2014 - Burgessdpilot wrote: 90 Points
2 bottles. Same dinner. Smooth.
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3/27/2014 - egd584 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Gets better and better with each sip. Mellow, balanced, with a distinct earthy minerality.
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2/28/2014 - gutt22 Likes this wine:
14.7% alcohol. This is drinking beautifully. Dark red color. Pretty nose of black fruit, spice, and minerals. In the mouth, highly structured and focused, with brambly black fruit, deep, earthy complexity, and strong acidity. Lots of life ahead of this. A-
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2/4/2014 - dabovino Likes this wine: 90 Points
Always a good win, this vintage was no different. Very enjoyable and drinking very well now.
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2/1/2014 - StewartWent wrote: 88 Points
Rich, ripe, full of presence. Some minerally zingy helps lighten the back palate; this is useful as the fruit runs the risk of getting a little dead. Points for the age.
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1/22/2014 - jdoakpark wrote: 88 Points
Ok....I expected more depth and character.
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1/15/2014 - La Grappe Likes this wine: 87 Points
Mature, sweetish, blackberry and plum fruit. Quite concentrated, with good length. The oak has now integrated and no longer dominates. A good example.
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12/31/2013 - West Coast Wine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Red fruit on the nose and full body still on the palate. Well integrated wine with tannin and acidity. Still had decent amount of fruit, dusty and rustic, the age did this wine well. Drink Now.
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12/29/2013 - pkatz Likes this wine: 91 Points
Much improved since release. This will never be one of Ridge's best but it has aged into a nice, varietally correct, wine.
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12/28/2013 - WetRock wrote:
From a 375. Lots of sediment in this one. Good deal of warmth on the back of the palate this time which distracted from an otherwise pretty good wine. There are some of those nice rustic qualities you often find in the old school Ridge zin blends. Plenty of fruit with some nice tannin to give it a good finish in spite of the alcohol. I would think this would continue a nice development but the alcohol was worrisome. Nice character overall.
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12/25/2013 - dougsmith Likes this wine: 89 Points
Deep ruby color. Youthful nose of focused, sweet boysenberry. Medium bodied on the palate with good acidity through the middle.
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12/18/2013 - bin905 Likes this wine: 90 Points
It is rich, robust and well-balanced, with plenty of oak flavor as well as ripe dark fruit and spice.
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12/7/2013 - WineCPA wrote: 90 Points
Aging well. Still plenty of fruit. taking on a hint of brick in color. Medium bodied with cherry, strawberry, cinnamon and other spices. Dried fruit on the finish. Drink now-2015.
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12/7/2013 - MRichman wrote:
Lovely. Firm & friendly. Expansive, floral. Really nicely mature but still young. Can drink now or continue to cellar. Spicy, pepper. Beautiful. Very Ridge, represents just what I like in their wines.
B+
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12/1/2013 - marksfamily Likes this wine: 90 Points
Big nose of rose, cherry, blackberry. Tons of blackberry, black cherry, plum on the tongue. Surprisingly light tannins for a Zin. Not likely to get much better. Drink 'em if you've got 'em.
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11/28/2013 - K is for Kate wrote:
Drank from a half bottle and there still seems to be plenty of structure to allow it to age gracefully. I preferred it the next day, so decanting could be beneficial.
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11/19/2013 - David_T wrote: 88 Points
This has certainly been an adventure. My last of the Empire 375s. This one almost comes across as a dessert wine - a touch sweet with chocolate & blackberies, light & integrated tannins/acid. That being said, it's perfectly drinkable without flaws, just not exactly what I'd expect for a zin. Drink now.
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10/29/2013 - khunchris Likes this wine: 89 Points
Drinking well now. Took magnum to a party and went great with BBQ ribs. Nicely balanced, fruit still holding up. Quaffable!
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10/25/2013 - NoWineWiz wrote: 86 Points
I wish I was tasting what the others were, but not much change from my previous and EMPIRE80's notes.
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10/18/2013 - La Grappe wrote: 86 Points
Rich, ripe, sweet fruit, and rather oaky; somewhat hot from the alcohol. Very enjoyable, but no great complexity.
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10/15/2013 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 90 Points
The nose showed rich raspberry jam, blueberry skins, hints of brown sugar, spice and tobacco leaf. On the palate, it was full bodied, yet showed lively acidity, which kept it focused and food friendly. Spicy dark fruits lingered on the senses with a slight bitter twang lending a grounding element to the mix. Crushed florals, bitter cherry and a hint of grapefruit remained through the medium-long finish with just a bit of resolved tannin.
This wine is in a beautiful place right now, and may improve slightly over the next few years, yet I find it very pleasurable as is.
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9/28/2013 - VinoPKM wrote: 89 Points
Classic Ridge Zin and it a great place right now. Drink up.
Berries, baking spices and vanilla- no jamminess either.
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9/12/2013 - BURGHen Boy wrote: 88 Points
Fruit and tannins nicely integrated. A touch of spice on the palate with a slight tweek of bitterness on the finish.
From a 375 ml
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8/18/2013 - empire80 wrote: 88 Points
Quite tannic, some black cherry but not a lot of fruit. Improved significantly with rump steak. Still needs a bit of time?
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7/28/2013 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is just an incredibly reliable Zin!
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7/16/2013 - chatters wrote:
The bottle level was base of the neck, so considerably lower than one would expect, but the cork was completely sound. Red currant jam and touches of raspberry with, unusually, no discernible oak. Totally different to what I was expecting based on past consumption but glorious none the less, it almost has a pinotesque note.
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6/29/2013 - bgreenak Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wonderful wine, ready to drink now. Opened up after about 30 minutes.
Smooth tannins, great fruit.
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6/4/2013 - KVM wrote: 90 Points
OK... this is more like it! This bottle is mature, even a little brick at the edge. Nose shows abundant ripe black berries and vanilla. Pillowy and a little alcoholic in the mouth. Medium length.
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5/27/2013 - La Grappe wrote: 85 Points
Mature blackberry and damson fruit, and somewhat obvious oak. Certainly enjoyable, but lacks a little finesse.
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5/26/2013 - winebling wrote: 87 Points
I was looking forward to this wine - as far as I can remember, the first aged zinfandel I've ever had. Loved the fruit & spice on the nose. Still some good fruit on the palate, with dark chocolate & dark berries. I found the oak a bit too noticeable for my liking, but an enjoyable drink overall.
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5/10/2013 - DaddyNeedsPow Likes this wine: 91 Points
I don't think there's anything "faded" about this yet, lots of good fruit developing in a way that only Ridge does. Far more nuanced and interesting than in its youth, this was perfect with bison burgers and garden beets on the patio.
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4/22/2013 - NoWineWiz wrote: 85 Points
PnPd. Needed to decant for at least an hour. Unbalance with little fruit and a bit bitter. Started to improve after an hour and a half.
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4/21/2013 - Sternmat Likes this wine: 89 Points
Strong zin very representative of Ridge. Still drinking well with strong fruit -- lots of red berries and cherries.
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4/20/2013 - Wine Gombie Likes this wine: 85 Points
This is a very light styled wine. Fruity, cherries, and a touch of oak. Easy to drink; would pair with some cheeses as an aperitif. Came from a 1.5 Liter bottle, which still had lots of flavor. Drink now, we are!
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4/14/2013 - wcchang wrote: 89 Points
Very Light fruity aroma with a bit of honey and hints of hay. Light color. The wine is not very impressive. Flavors are light and finish is short.
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4/12/2013 - IlonaN wrote: 90 Points
Showing some secondary flavors of sweet leather and pipe tobacco. The dusty raspberry notes have receded. I don't think this will get any better.
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4/11/2013 - chatters wrote:
Popped, decanted, vigorously aerated and poured. Plum, black cherry, vanilla, chocolate, slight herbaceous notes, slight tinned pear (but I'm looking for it so not sure about that)...over a couple of hours some leather and tobacco notes begin to appear. For me this is a wine that, once I've opened it and am drinking it, I wonder why I bother drinking anything else.
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4/8/2013 - BuffaloLou Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decided to pop another bottle tonight (1 day after the last bottle.) Near identical results. Very enjoyable. Silky smooth, but big enough to enjoy with a grilled steak and mushrooms. (With chili rub; excellent pairing!)
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4/7/2013 - BuffaloLou Likes this wine: 89 Points
A very tasty, silky smooth, Zin. The nose is somewhat shutdown showing light cranberry and spice. The palate however, explodes with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, spice, and licorice, with a hint of vanilla. Beautifully balanced with med+ acidity, it's pairs well with grilled fare. More complexity in the nose would have giving this a higher score.
Consumed from 750ml.
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4/2/2013 - Lord Rodney wrote: 86 Points
This wine was slightly over the hill. Drinkable but tired and too many notes of prunes. Alas.
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3/27/2013 - AccaDacca wrote: 86 Points
Sweet, jammy, wish a bit less so.
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3/4/2013 - Tgood wrote: 88 Points
Dark ruby; blackberries and cedar on a tannic frame
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2/24/2013 - Colima74 wrote: 89 Points
Very smooth, almost too smooth. Red fruit, but not much depth.
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2/2/2013 - chatters wrote:
Lovely. Nice plum fruit, some hints of tinned pear, integrated and balanced vanilla oak. Just a real pleasure to drink.
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12/30/2012 - jcha24 wrote:
by far the best of my 4 bottles...unfortunately my last
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12/29/2012 - affordableCollector wrote: 86 Points
reddish with orange hues. earth, dirt, black fruit on the nose. blackberry, earth, oak, toast on the palate. light acid and tannins on this finish.
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12/29/2012 - drcoop wrote: flawed
Corked
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11/18/2012 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 90 Points
Still drinking on the younger side. Lots of fruit left; black raspberries, plums and dark cherries. Great mouthfeel. No hurry on this. It opened nicely in the bottle after about 30 minutes.
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11/12/2012 - La Grappe wrote: 87 Points
Dense, brambly fruit, but rather heavy oak and a somewhat dry finish. Enjoyable, but not outstanding.
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11/9/2012 - Leomania Likes this wine: 91 Points
Plum backed up by black fruit, maple brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, good acidity. A very good bottle, was better on the second day so I'd say drink or hold.
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11/8/2012 - David_T wrote:
Another Empire 375. This time it is primarily chocolate/black cherry notes, light tannins/acid, a touch sweet. Not flawed, but not quite the expected flavor profile either.
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11/2/2012 - twoamps wrote: 91 Points
great, slightly aged lyttnon springs
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10/19/2012 - La Grappe wrote: 87 Points
Rich, ripe, full, sweetish, somewhat heavy and with noticeable oak. This is almost jammy.
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10/18/2012 - 1961Vintage wrote: 92 Points
Nice rounded tannins. Nice balance..
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9/28/2012 - MatsRahm wrote: 92 Points
This wine really made my Friday! Lovely, rich, fruity with lots of dark berries. Will improve even more but fabulous already.
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9/26/2012 - La Grappe wrote: 87 Points
Good, ripe fruit, but a bit restrained, perhaps because it was not long out of the wine fridge. However, this may have had the effect of suppressing the jamminess that this wine sometimes exhibits!
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8/16/2012 - La Grappe wrote: 87 Points
Full of rich, sweetish, brambly fruit, but rather dominated by the oak, which makes it a bit one-dimensional.
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8/5/2012 - 1961Vintage wrote: 93 Points
Simply outstanding....
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8/3/2012 - ucsbmullet wrote: 89 Points
Mild and soft for a zin. Restrained. Blueberries on the nose. Still tannic even after 3-4 years of aging.
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8/1/2012 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 90 Points
The nose showed a mix of raspberry and blueberry with a dusting of spice and the beginnings of tertiary development. On the palate it was medium-bodied, center focused and with gripping acidity. A mix of sweet crushed berries saturated the senses followed by minty notes. The finish showed an abundance of spice and tannin that clung to the palate.
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7/28/2012 - La Grappe wrote: 88 Points
Ripe, sweet, smoky wine, now nicely mature but still lively. There is plenty of substance to this wine, but not a lot of subtlety.
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7/28/2012 - Foodievines Likes this wine: 89 Points
Blue fruit, vanilla, and herbs on the nose. Nice length and flavors of plum, tobacco, and subtle white pepper notes.
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7/17/2012 - KVM wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured. Some clean blackberry jam with baked fruit, too. Harsh attack and some bitterness on finish. Better the next day
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7/5/2012 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 90 Points
Deep garnet, almost black, very slow-moving legs at 14.7% abv. Medium-medium(+) developing and concentrated aromas, black fruits, cedar, laurel and hints of black pepper. Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium-medium(+) firm tannins, high alcohol, medium(+) body. Medium(+) flavours, of blackberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, 5-spice, liquorice. Well balanced tannins-acidity-alcohol-fruit. Complex, powerful concetrated palate precedes a medium spicy-sweet finish with lingering tannins and warmth.
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6/30/2012 - UncleBuncle Likes this wine:
Drank with BBQ beef and chicken. It was a perfect choice of wine - robust and fruity but smooth and elegant at same time.
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6/23/2012 - rjsmall Likes this wine:
Red colour with a slight brown on edge. A very fresh nose with cranberry, raspberry and spice. Similar taste along with coconut and vanilla. High, bright acid and plenty of fruit. Great structure and balance. Very good and still young.
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6/17/2012 - eastover wrote: flawed
Enjoyed during Father's Day BBQ
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6/17/2012 - Nursing a Hangover wrote: flawed
disappointed.
others have had similar issues. I'll have to open the others soon.
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6/15/2012 - eastover wrote:
Very nice. Enjoyed during Friday live music event.
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5/27/2012 - Tarrant wrote: 93 Points
This was delicious and no way near it's peak, just lovely - Dark, full bodied with a nose of sweet blackfruit, plum, bramble, spice and vanilla, excellent structure, balance and intensity, sweet on the palate with terrific length, delicious!! (93 Points).
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5/20/2012 - chbeaumont Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rubied; blueberries & blackberries, plums, whiff of mint, dense; powerful, warm, rugged fruit, still some tannin, refreshing acidity; power-packed, rustic finish.
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4/28/2012 - La Grappe wrote: 91 Points
This is very enjoyable, a ripe but smooth wine; rather more elegant than the Geyserville; the fruit has a slight sweetness, but is not jammy; there is length and persistence.
From a half bottle.
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4/26/2012 - AccaDacca wrote: 88 Points
Pleasant, very un-Zin like. A little bit of jam.
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4/2/2012 - Nivlac wrote: 88 Points
Did a vertical of the 2003 to 2007 Ridge Lytton Springs last weekend with our wine group. With the exception of the 06 & 07 all older wines were relatively close and we needed a few rounds to separate the better from the good. The 03-05 drank very nicely and quality generally followed age. Not sure if the 06&07 would get there eventually. The 07 had a distinct sulfer smell eventually wafted off after over an hour. The older wines were out of the bottle for about 30 minutes and opened up slightly over the next half hour - but not as much as I would have thought. 03 was the highlight - 92, 04 & 05 we rated 90 and 06 87 and 07 we rated 84.
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4/1/2012 - Daffo wrote:
Marinerad kyckling. Stor fan av Ridge ich blev inte besviken. Dricker bra nu
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3/31/2012 - BrunelloBob wrote: 88 Points
Good, but not all that zin-like, Frustrating purchase.
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3/28/2012 - elledeca wrote:
lovely wine! ruby with purple legs, not very opaque. nose of spices, clove, red fruit, chocolate, mint, herbs, very complex. excellent mouthfeel, round and supple without being too heavy, good acidity and still a healthy dose of tannins. very good balance. this can wait a few more years, but delicious now over grilled meat.
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3/18/2012 - kostaslonis wrote:
Oinorama Wine Fair 2012; 3/17/2012-3/18/2012: (tasted at oinorama) Zinfandel 80%, Petit Syrah 16%, Carignan 4%. Evolved red (brick red maybe?) with almost brown hues. Mild coffee and leather aromas. Equally mild mouthfeel, full and ripe, a bit more acidity than it could have breaks the balance. It seems to be at its peak.
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3/16/2012 - vegasoenophile wrote: 85 Points
Savory herbs, sage, freshly baked berry pie, dark chocolate, wild berry fruit on the nose. Black, purple and bramble red berry fruit. Sweet candy tones on the palate. Some big alcohol with a cough syrup note. Stewed wild berry compote favors with some fig, plum, bitter chocolate and sweet, dried prune and berry flavors. Some coriander. Spice and both white and black pepper in moderation. Finishes on a Christmas candy note mixed with berry tart.
I had to amend this as following the first taste, the wine quickly falls into a flabby, oxidized prune stew. The cork broke upon opening, so perhaps the oxidation had begun and opening it accelerated the process. Unfortunate.
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3/16/2012 - belfast taxman wrote: 87 Points
Soft with less overtly spicy edge than I remember but then it's been a long time since I drank this wine and perhaps the vintage was a light one - pleasing but nothing sensational and not really my cup of tea
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2/24/2012 - Grape_ape wrote:
3rd of 4 375's... very pruney, port like nose, somewhat stewed... I think these were cooked, color is a little browning too.
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2/10/2012 - Philippe_C wrote: 92 Points
Powerfull nose of ripe red & black cherries, smoked bacon, red peperonis... pure red cherries, nice freshness, medium aftertaste
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2/6/2012 - pedwards wrote: 90 Points
A bit hot on first night. Completely smoothed out and bacme nicely balanced on night three.
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2/1/2012 - BrunelloBob wrote: 87 Points
Serious bottle variation going on with these. Thought it might be travel shock, but we're well past that...
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1/23/2012 - David_T wrote:
From one of the Empire 375s. I have had two previously and both have been fine, but this smelled and tasted like muddy water initially. I let it sit open for another day and it improved somewhat with red fruit coming through, but was nowhere near the level of the other two.
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1/8/2012 - Leomania Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened two hours before drinking, poured a small glass to open up some headroom in the bottle. Black and red fruit on the nose plus dark chocolate; the same in the mouth, with some cassis and black pepper. Consumed over the course of the evening and the flavors continued to evolve and mellow through the last glass. In a good place right now with plenty of fruit showing and ample tannins remaining to celler for a year or two more.
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1/3/2012 - chefpete wrote: 88 Points
Still very good, but drink up it is on its way down.
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12/30/2011 - KVM wrote: 88 Points
Dark red. Nose has red fruit and an pretty floral perfume. Finishes solid and velvety.
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12/8/2011 - alexandersford wrote: 90 Points
Drinking really well right now. Peppery, complex but not too jammy. Nice balance.
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12/7/2011 - Higreen wrote: 88 Points
Tasted very much like a Ridge style wine. The zin aspect seemed subdued. It was tight and less fruity the first day, but the second, it opened up nicely and seemed to have better balance and integration.
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12/5/2011 - Wising wrote:
Oak out Of balance. Will improve?
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12/3/2011 - klister wrote: 85 Points
Disjointed and rough.
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12/3/2011 - Yme wrote: 89 Points
Dark fruits, spice and earth tones, decent tannic bite that does not overwhelm the fruit. Plenty of life remaining.
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11/24/2011 - KVM wrote: 86 Points
Tsted a couple different bottles at a cocktail party. Not flawed. Solid and undistiguished
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11/19/2011 - WetRock wrote:
From a 375. Medium tannin behind strong dark Zin fruits. Good length and mouth filling. The tannins bring the finish clean even if the acidity is hiding a bit. Lots of fruit in here and it doesn't smack me with ripeness like it did almost a year ago. Very good in a bigger way right now but will clearly go another ten years if you prefer.
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11/18/2011 - pc1981 wrote: 86 Points
drinking much better than 18 months ago but still mediocre
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11/16/2011 - joshwoodward wrote: 88 Points
Pnp. Solid, good structure, not overripe. A little on the simple red fruit side, but tasty.
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11/4/2011 - KVM wrote:
double decanted and still I am unimpressed
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10/28/2011 - jcha24 wrote:
Poured from 375 through vinturi and sat in the glass for about 20-30 minutes before tasting. Decent red fruit on the nose, but nothing overly enticing. The palate was very boring with little to no complexity and a touch of heat showing actually. Left a small taste for today, so hoping it improves - I'll sit on my last 375 for a while.
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10/9/2011 - KVM wrote: 90 Points
brambly fruit and silky feel
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10/1/2011 - UncleBuncle wrote:
Delicious - fruity, well balanced, should drink well for next 4-5 years anyway
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9/25/2011 - gmmilani wrote: 89 Points
Always one of my favorites, but there have been better years. Still, a very nice wine.
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8/29/2011 - tplskylrk wrote: 90 Points
Dark for a Zin. The OS playing a large role. Smoky plum fruit. This is smoky, liquid pleasure. NIce ripe restrained fruit, some decent tannins and oak playing off each other. Drinking well, integrated, youthful. Now and for several more years.
Day II. Just OK. This was not on inspiring vintage, left me a little concerned for other years. Help together nicely, just left me uninspired.
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8/22/2011 - KVM wrote: 89 Points
Dark red. Red fruit, cardamon, basil, acohol,some secondary aromas. Good plum fruit, white pepper, light body, medium length. Holds promise for improvement
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7/23/2011 - jmht wrote: 90 Points
Brambly nose; palate of zinberry, plum, cherry, does not lack for fruit,chocolate, but not overextracted, spice, reasonable acidity, slight heat but surprised to read 14.7%-- tastes as if lower-- long cherry finish. More exuberant than say Geyserville, but still a good example of zin.
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7/23/2011 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 89 Points
Saturated deep garnet, black no-translucent core. Medium rich and complex nose, fruit aromas seem suppressed; black plum, cherries, baked fruits, dark (80%) chocolate, pepper and liquorice/laurel spice, definitely framed in wood. Medium acidity, high tannins (yet they are so integrated that I kept changing my notes to medium, no high, no medium tannins ;-). Dark cherries, chocolate, black plum, roasted fruit, pepper aromas sit upon a very juicy mouthfeel yet without clear definition of the fruits. Full-bodied, well structured, tannins are interwoven yet the wine's structure and aplomb seems a bit small relative to the body weight. A very good wine.
Value/money = 7
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7/22/2011 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured. Medium-plus garnet hue. Aromas of dark bramble fruits, plum, herbs, and a touch of coconut from toasted oak. Medium to medium-plus body. On the palate, the fruit is much more lush and overall the wine seems to have put on a bit of weight and transformed into a richer expression than was previous. Flavors include ripe plum fruits, black raspberry, black cherry, pepper, spice, and just a touch of the herbaceous. The flavors are all framed by trademark Ridge toasted oak, which is never too heavy and enhances the fruit. Well-balanced, with moderate acidity. Although somewhat astringent, the tannins are surprisingly mellow on the moderate close. This should age well for many more years but is open at present and drinking quite nicely.
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7/5/2011 - jcha24 wrote:
From 375. Drank outside while watching the fireworks so no formal notes. Definitely needed at least 20-30 minutes in the glass for the heat to blow off (my wife commented that the alc was burning her eyes at first). Once in the glass for a bit, it was all ripe strawberries for days. Nothing super complex, but the zin dominated this blend and it was enjoyable to drink. Nothing earth shattering, but tasty.
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7/2/2011 - merryberry wrote: 90 Points
Orange-laced dark red. Raspberry puree, cedar, and fresh strawberry nose. Medium to full bodied, dirty cherries, herbs, leather, chocolate dust, well integrated tannins, spices, and a medium finish. Drinking well now.
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6/25/2011 - df1962 wrote: 88 Points
Consensus least favorite of a tasting of a number of Ridge wines. Not bad just not as good as some others. A bit closed with parmesan rind and raspberry note on the nose and palate.
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6/23/2011 - BrunelloBob wrote: 90 Points
Holy Cr4p!
PNP. WHOLE different experience than two months ago...Chocolate on the nose, red fruit, "Like biting a chocolate bar" on the palate (per the beautiful and intelligent Mrs. BBob). Smooth, integrated, though the tannin is still there if you look.
Did 2 months make that much of a difference or is it a bottle variation thing? I LIKE this wine now.
89+ BBob, 90-92 Mrs BBob.
Who wears the pants??
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6/11/2011 - Grape_ape wrote:
2nd of my 4 375's from empire wine... raisiny/pruny, a bit harsh on the finish, really not that enjoyable... got a little better with air, but not dramatically... I'd be curious to do a side by side with my last 750 of this to see whats up.
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6/7/2011 - KVM wrote: 89 Points
Dark red with mahoganey haze throughout. Mature nose, blackberry. Softer and more fragrant than previous examples maturing quickly
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5/30/2011 - robnmo wrote: 89 Points
decanted for about 90 minutes. ate with smoked flank steak, and grilled veggies. nose was light got some raspberries, vanilla and a touch of vegtables. on the palate this wine has a nice mouthfeel, not quite as thick as I expected, but very nice. A nice bottle.
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5/28/2011 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted approx. 2 hours ... The ripe fruit remains here but it's far smoother (esp. after decant) and more subtle than when we first tried it a few years back. Very dry, medium finish. Perfect Summer red ... Easy to drink and not overly weighty, yet still somewhat substantial. ... Served with grilled herb-rubbed striploin, salt potatoes and grilled asparagus.
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5/15/2011 - MarkL wrote: 92 Points
Clear medium ruby (sod all sign of age).
Enticing nose. Touch of vanilla. Some red fruit. Something more as well.
Dry. Medium tannin. Medium acidity. Welcoming. Long finish. Medium body.
Very very good.
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5/6/2011 - David_T wrote: 89 Points
Smooth, fruity nose of both dark and red fruit- raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plum. Soft fruit notes on the palate as well, particularly blackberry and plum. Very balanced, well integrated tannins.
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4/26/2011 - Phredd wrote: 87 Points
Nice dark but ever-so-slightly translucent ruby red in the glass, the nose on this wine starts slowly, but gains richness over time. I have a very hard time placing the smells, but they are delicious. Almost like a plum-strawberry jam reduction over dusty white pepper and vanilla. On the palate, deep plums remain, but the strawberry has disappeared and instead a slight raspberry overtone appears in the background. The plums were evidently stewed in their skins, as there is a fair amount of bitterness here. There is some spiciness, still, as well, but it is more like red chilies and roasted red bell peppers. I was expecting a fair amount of tannin, but there was really very little. There also seems to be a lack of depth and complexity. The wine seems a little hollow to me, and the finish is fairly short and laced with way too much alcohol. Disclaimer: I have very little experience with Zinfandel. I bought this expressly because I thought it would be a good way to try a reliable Zin for reference. I'm not convinced I succeeded. At $12 for the split, I wouldn't really be too interested in trying this again. Take my score with a grain of salt, though, and listen to those with more Zin experience.
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4/17/2011 - BrunelloBob wrote: 86 Points
PNP, maybe decant next time?
This one's a "swing and a miss" for me, glad it was bought at discount.
Decent nose that the palate doesn't live up to. Red fruit, primarily cherry. Plenty of tannin, enough acidity, but weak on the fruit. I'll hold the rest and try a bottlle in a year or so, but I'm not real optimistic...
Edit: Some sign of life toward the end of the bottle, but the end of a 375ml comes real soon...
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4/11/2011 - Dive Shark wrote: 91 Points
We drank from a half-bottle and did not decant. Settled nicely in the glass and gave smells of very bright fruit and a sweetness of strawberry/ raspberry jam. Also had a scent of very mild cocoa and vanilla. Flavors were similar and gave a surprising punch of acidity that provided a lingering finish. That will certainly help the fruit hold up over time! Because of this, the tannins really only showed, for me, on the top and straight down the center of my tongue with the sharp acidity taking over the sides. Beautiful wine but I think will benefit greatly from some cellar time to settle in and let the structure balance out a bit.
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3/25/2011 - gutt22 wrote:
14.7% alcohol. Showing very well right now; it has really integrated nicely in bottle the past couple years. Dark red color. Lovely nose of spicy black fruit, with cool notes of mineral and earth. In the mouth, very refined already at this stage. The fruit is overt and really pretty, supported by bold spice and earth notes. Strong structure, with acidity and tannin. This is really nice and complete. A-
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3/21/2011 - RDHudak wrote: 89 Points
Much better than the last bottle. Spicy, berry nose with nice tannins and acidity. Seemed to get better with air for a bit, then seemed to get a bit oxidized.
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3/10/2011 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted approx. 1 hour ... This is a refined and restrained Zin blend. Very food friendly (doesn't overwhelm), with a sophisticated edge. The fruit has blended and, while it's definitely not in the background, it's much more mellow than when I first tasted this vintage. The entire feeling is of a very well-balanced, and well-made, wine.
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3/9/2011 - redman77 wrote: 87 Points
Prior bottle may have been flawed. The prisoner"lite'
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3/9/2011 - Nursing a Hangover wrote: 89 Points
sampled my first RIDGE Lytton Springs juice box. Stored in 52 degree cellar since 1/11.
P&P @ 64 degrees(yeah, I’m that geeky that I take it’s temperature) –
nose is barely discernible-black fruit, cinnamon, cedar, vanilla and brier thatch
palate is vegetal, muted fruit, harsh “green edge” a medicinal alcohol/bitterness is on the finish
68-70 degrees/ 15-20 minutes later-
nose is much more black fruits, cedar/oak, vanilla custard
palate is what ZIN is supposed to be.. dark fruit/cedar/oak, the “green edge” has turned into chewy tannins. That alcohol “burn” is there but not overbearing and the bitter finish is actually refreshing
I kept taking it’s temperature to see how the wine “acts” at various stages. I found that the “sweet spot” was actually 70 degrees (which is my house room temperature)
any cooler and the wine gave off disjointed flavors. any warmer and the alcohol was too noticeable.
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3/3/2011 - Coupe 60 wrote:
PnPa 375ml, sipped after dinner. Similar notes to the last bottle, decent upon the attack, but strong and bitter tannins kicked in, and sapped my enjoyment...
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2/23/2011 - JJKinch wrote: 89 Points
from .375 - popped & poured. Nice cherry/ strawberry fruit/ vanilla oak - well integrated. Enjoyable. Earlier bottle was more muted.
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2/22/2011 - redknife wrote: 91 Points
Drinking beautifully, nose had a bit of barnyard followed by red and black berries, smooth with a long finish.
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2/21/2011 - jpdel wrote: 90 Points
earthy, solid fruit, spicy, but restrained.
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2/18/2011 - David_T wrote: 89 Points
Very rustic, with pleasant berry and spice notes. Shows good restraint and balance, not over the top in your face like many zins I've had recently. From a 375ml bottle.
Update: night 2- very similar to night 1, but with a very distinct dried cranberry component on both the nose and palate.
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2/9/2011 - daveTex wrote: 91 Points
Color: Dark purple. Nose: a little restrained, some floral notes, some forest floor mustiness, and red fruit at the end. Taste: Rhubarb juice! Then some strawberries, then black plums. Nicely integrated, decent finish. This could easily last 3 - 5 years more.
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2/8/2011 - KVM wrote: 82 Points
80 pts. What has happened here? The previous bottles were disappointing but I believed they held promise. This bottle is vinous but is lacking any attractive characteristics. Is it a fake? I have never, in 25 years of drinking Ridge, tasted an insipid wine from them, until now. sad. The next day the last half of the bottle is showing some (a little), blackberry fruit and cinammon,; so 82
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2/7/2011 - redman77 wrote: 75 Points
This wine from a 375ml juice box order online is a mess...glad i only have 3 left at 10 bucks a piece....ouch hot...no fruit...some spice...ouch...bummer
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1/30/2011 - RDHudak wrote: 84 Points
I must have lost my initial posting on this wine, but I recall it as being muted and alcoholic on the nose. Very tightly wound palate which never came around. Some spice, red raspberry. Short finish of muted fruit spice and alcohol. This may have suffered from travel shock, but I am not impressed with the first bottle.
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1/27/2011 - JJKinch wrote: 88 Points
From a 375 - decanted a half hour. Nice dark fruit/ spice/ slight oak. Slight heat on the end. Nice - hopefully will develop more with time. Better than 1st bottle.
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1/26/2011 - Grape_ape wrote: 87 Points
Popped and vinturried from a 375. A bit raisiny/pruney, and kind of tight/closed on the mid palate and finish. Started to open up a bit more with some air, and the acidity picked up on the finish. Didn't live up to the 750ml I had about a year ago, and seems like a trend based on some recent TN's that note coming froma 375ml... save a bit of the bottle, will see if it improves on day 2.
day 2 - Slight improvement, but also showing signs of oxidation, so kind of a wash... I will wait a year or more for my next bottle..
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1/24/2011 - wineshaman wrote: 88 Points
Notes from day 2. Nice cherry fruit, some vanilla a little heat on finish, simple but solid.
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1/23/2011 - WetRock wrote:
Showing its oak now over rich dense fruit. Not overly extracted but packed. The oak settles some on the 2nd night letting some spice show but these are really going to need some bottle time to show its best character to me. A nice big Zin right now without the overly ripe characters and heat found in some.
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1/23/2011 - Mig22 wrote: 89 Points
Tasted on opening and there was spice and red fruit on the nose. Much lighter (in a good way) than expected. At a stated 14.7% ABV, it was fresh and only a little hot with bright ripe raspberry on the palate. Aired in the glass for an hour and it all changed. Very still wine then with much darker, coffee/cocoa flavors and a core of graphite and firm tannin. Nice weight and mouthfeel. Interesting wine the way it changed.
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1/22/2011 - Colima74 wrote: 91 Points
From 375. Red fruit, spice dense but not heavy. Good stuff.
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1/20/2011 - Coupe 60 wrote: 85 Points
PnP two 375 bottles of this wine. Was very disappointed in both. Neither had the fruit or mouthfeel of hte last bottle that I had. Faint hint of blackberry and some leather, but the tannins were strong and bitter. Maybe some airtime would have helped, but not near the bottle that I had last time
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1/18/2011 - philct wrote: 85 Points
Not impressed. Maybe I didn't let it sit long enough but way too much heat for me to enjoy. Last bottle I'll decant awhile and see if its any better, but the alcohol buried any other taste for me.
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1/16/2011 - viking60 wrote: 88 Points
PnP...inital dominate fruit, seemed to be hair hot, got better with air.
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1/14/2011 - pete s. wrote: 90 Points
Very intense nose - perfectly ripe red and dark berries, coffee bean, and a hint of vanilla. Also picked up some smoky herbal notes underneath the fruit. Just slightly jammy on the palate with luscious briary dark fruit mixed with some chocolate shavings and leather. Nice structure, but tannins were a little bitter on the medium finish. I definitely need to try other Ridge bottlings as I think this wine is solid but suffers a bit from the rough vintage. I do get a sense of the refined Zin approach that the winery seems to take.
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1/2/2011 - enialejacobs@gmail.com wrote: 90 Points
Vary good after letting breathe about 30 minutes or so
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12/25/2010 - df1962 wrote: 88 Points
PnD let breathe for 2 hours. Solid claret colored zin not saturated. Eathry blackberry leather and tobacco nose. Light to medium weight not too tannic. Earthy blackberry flavors with a leathery finish. Fairly subdued and could use a bit more fruit. Good with Xmas turkey. Did not wow. Don't think it will get any better than it is now as it did not change much over the course of the several hours that it was opened and drunk.
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12/24/2010 - omars Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ridge wines always impress. This wine was spectacular.
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12/18/2010 - pvetsch wrote: 86 Points
Admittedly quite disappointing for a high-end (and expensive) Ridge field blend. I will leave my remaining bottles for a couple years in hopes of improvement.
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11/25/2010 - markandsusanw wrote: flawed
Thanksgiving 2010 ... Decanted approx. three hours ... We'd had this vintage about six months ago from a restaurant wine list and thoroughly enjoyed it. This time out though it seemed lighter (ruby red color) and very sharp. Not undrinkable and definitely not corked, but not the smooth, rich blend I was expecting. Is the wine in a bad place right now or did we get an off case? Very disappointed considering our previous experience with this wine/vintage.
UPDATE: After further conversation and research I'm fairly convinced this wine was heat damaged at some point. I'm still hoping for resolution from the retailer, but I'm removing my rating as I do believe these bottles were/are flawed.
UPDATE 2: Ridge went above and beyond, to say the least, and not only replaced the three bottles they saw here as flawed, but did so with a full case. Amazing service!
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11/18/2010 - amateurwino wrote: 89 Points
Consistent with prior notes generally; this wine is starting to come along. Dominant flavors are jammy red berries and pepper that kicks in and carries the finish. Has lots of life to go but is approachable now; an enjoyable 89-pointer.
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11/9/2010 - vino_per_tutti wrote: 84 Points
Okay, but not great. Started well, with flavors and mouth feel that we've come to expect from a Ridge Zin - plum, dark berries, floral dust on the nose; bitter cherry and tart minerality on the palate - but finish was short, flabby and thin. Maybe it was just this bottle, but a disappointment compared to other Ridge ATP selections.
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11/3/2010 - wmccone54 wrote: 91 Points
A beautiful California Zin blend. Wild blueberry, vanilla, and spice on the nose with a palate of mouthwatering berries and a firm tannic structure with hints of brown sugar and chocolate. Nice balance on the finish but not overpowering.
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10/24/2010 - DaddyNeedsPow wrote: 90 Points
Medium short finish, but overall a nice wine. Nice jammy but not over the top flavor. A hint of bbq dry-rub spice. Not the most memorable Ridge but quite tasty indeed.
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10/12/2010 - rmodak wrote: 87 Points
A bit rustic with black cherry, wild berry, green herbs, pepper and a bit of heat on the finish. Perhaps this will smooth out a bit over the next 2 years.
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9/26/2010 - KVM wrote: 89 Points
Not perfectly clear, lighter colour than expected and hinting at some age. Good blackberry and raspberry fruit and herbs, too. Medium body despit 14.6% alcohol. Not the best Lytton Springs but the price is right (on sale for $25 as compared to typical $40 to $45 for lsat few years.)
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9/26/2010 - tcbrown wrote: 89 Points
Not as good as the 2007, but still nice
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9/19/2010 - vegasoenophile wrote: 92 Points
Very herbaceous nose with loads of dry sage and dried rosemary. On the palate, it's big and juicy with red and black berries and hints of herbs with earth and spice. Nicely integrated.
- Tasted at Schreiner's Winers zin tasting 9/18/10
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9/18/2010 - JavaMonkey wrote: 86 Points
Dark garnet color. The nose has darkish fruit, a little herbal character, and a slightly pruney note. The fruit is nice, and it's well balanced. Well made and enjoyable, but maybe slightly generic. Nice, moderate length finish.
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9/10/2010 - pkatz wrote: 88 Points
Although reasonably well balanced, this wine is quite astere for a Ridge zin.
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8/27/2010 - Mophair wrote: 89 Points
I like this bottle, nice smooth taste, hint of blackberry
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8/25/2010 - abunai wrote: 89 Points
base: 50 pts
color & appearance - max 5 pts: 5
aroma & bouquet - max 15 pts: 13
flavor and finish - max 20 pts: 15
overall quality & potential - max 10 pts: 5
OVERALL: 89
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8/21/2010 - spee wrote: 88 Points
A little hot.
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8/20/2010 - J @ y H @ c k wrote: 90 Points
Someone left this at my house after BF 2.5. Decanted for about an hour. Very nice wine. There was a sense of floral aroma and flavor at the start, which was a surprise. Then a nice red fruit melange with some brambly herb and spices. Another outstanding effort from a winery that has proved for 40 years that they can turn out enjoyable wines at prices that do not cause heart attacks.
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8/19/2010 - jrlamia wrote: 89 Points
Deep ruby color. Tart cherry. Medium mouth feel, balanced tannins. Nice medium finish.
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8/14/2010 - Riezin wrote:
Nat cork. A fairly clear purple. Original impression from nose in the glass was of too much oak, some caramel, and a bit of heat. After some time open, still quite a bit of alcohol on the nose, dark fruits and a bit of earth emerged. Medium body with sweet vanilla dominant over the fruit, bit of bramble too. Frankly not their best effort.
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8/4/2010 - Wrighty wrote: 89 Points
Nice, very nice. Lush and plush, not what I was expecting of Zin but it was what I hoped of a Ridge. Surprisingly, I'd buy again!
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7/31/2010 - JOJ wrote: 88 Points
Better than my prior bottle of 8 months ago. Nose of smoke, blackberry and brambles. Palate provides blackberry, raspberry, and earth, marred slightly by a pruny/rasin note. None of the alcohol heat picked up on the prior bottle.
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7/19/2010 - G_Talbot wrote:
Practice; 7/19/2010-7/20/2010 (The Sampler - Islington): Appearance: clear, medium (+), ruby, legs.
Nose: clean, pronounced and concentrated, developing, raspberry.
Palate: dry, high alcohol (14.50%), full body, raspberry, coffee grinds, medium (+) length.
Conclusions: very good, ready to drink, but can develop further.
Quoted Price: £28.40
Comments: Organic, 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petit Syrah, 6% Carignan
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7/17/2010 - roygui wrote:
Rien de spécial. Un peu alcooleux en finale. Peut sûrement durer, mais s'améliorera t il ??? Un peu cher.
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7/11/2010 - Maxine wrote: 85 Points
Perhaps my palate has been warped after tasting so many burgundy s in France. I found this a bit too jammy for me - heavy with no reason to be. Keep well, it could have been left another 10 years.
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6/21/2010 - stubbie999 wrote:
Opened up nicely after a couple hours in the decanter. Draper perfume, briary fruits, nice food friendly acidity. Starting to settle down a bit and shedding some of its youthful fruit-brashness. Great with a simple steak dinner, and much better with food than without. Not a big, jammy style wine, but says Dry Creek and Ridge all day long.
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6/12/2010 - bmagic wrote: 90 Points
Well-balanced, classy, grown-up wine. Far too refined to be a blockbuster. Berry fruit, relatively dry, good finish.
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6/12/2010 - ladumott wrote: 80 Points
A good zin but a bit dry with tannins. I'm a sweet one!!! Understand that this wine is better after a few hours. I'll let you know. Not bad but not what I was looking for.
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5/21/2010 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured at Mickey Mantle's ... Great Zin-blend that is big but not over the top. A hint of sweet, but with a crisp, tannic backbone and some nice spice, all wrapped in a smooth package that's a pleasure to drink. Reminds me a lot of the '07 Orin Swift Prisoner vintage. Very well balanced wine with a complex palate (berry fruit, spice, and a hint of sweet) and long finish. Doesn't hurt that this one smells absolutely heavenly. ... Paired with blue cheese tomato salad, crab cake and smoked filet. Really nice anniversary dinner.
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5/16/2010 - Arch57 wrote: 88 Points
This wine lacked some of that laser like fruit you expect in a premier Zin and I detected a bit too much oak for my liking.
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5/12/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Lots of black currant and bramble fruit on the nose. Palate is vibrant, great balance of fruit and acidity. Refreshing if yet still full fruited. Really in a wonderful space right now. Delicious.
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5/6/2010 - Matt T wrote: 89 Points
Much better than the last bottle I tried. Dark fruits with lots of tannins and decent acidity. Very good.
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4/29/2010 - tyvoodoo wrote:
Right in line with previous bottles. Still rather tight even after an hour or so of air. I would hold these while good now will probably be better later down the road.
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4/27/2010 - The New Alcoholic wrote: 89 Points
Deep ruby colour. Medium-pronounced nose of dark fruit (berries and plums), oak, vanilla some smokiness and some spice. Dry with medium acidity high tannins and full body. Flavours of dark plums berries, peppers with a medium length. Very good.
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4/12/2010 - suzanna9452000 wrote: 90 Points
2- hour decant. Opaque red/purple in the glass. Lots of earth on the nose with dark fruit jam, spice, campfire and vanilla. In the mouth: big flavors with tons of dark sweet fruit, wood, spice, smoke, copper. Huge sandpaper tannins stand up to all that flavor. Explodes on the midpalate and settles quickly. Still manages to feel elegant in the mouth, perhaps due to the long decant. Nice. 14.7% alcohol.
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4/6/2010 - *Vine* wrote: 89 Points
Similar to previous note from 12/12/09. This wine needs aeration or a decant before the fruit begins to show. Tasty juice.
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4/6/2010 - MVSP wrote: 88 Points
Upon first inspection this wine is a fruit bomb. The oak and alcohol are obvious but the alcohol, is pretty well managed by the amount of fruit evident. I do find this wine a little one dimensional on the palate. Lots of smoky vanilla, pretty smooth and drinkable but not really all that exciting.
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4/3/2010 - njAndrew Likes this wine: 92 Points
On the pop and pour it is a little hot with dark fruit, strong tannins, and some oak and vanilla. This was drinking great at 1hr and I dove in at 1.5hr in the decanter the wine was nice and smooth with raspberry on the nose and tons of dark fruit like blueberry, and blackberry on the palate.
It smells like and Raspberry.
It tastes like Blackberry, Blueberry, and Raspberry.
The body is Medium.
The wine is textured Smooth.
The wine finishes Long.
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4/3/2010 - Matt T wrote: 86 Points
This did not really appeal to me. Left it open for a few hours before drinking. Very rough. grippy tannins. Lots of vanilla, alcohol, and oak. Quite a great deal of fruit with a raspberry/blackberry liqueur note on the finish that lasts for awhile.
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3/25/2010 - tyvoodoo wrote: 90 Points
A bit leaner than the last bottle but still really nice. Tons of pepper, ripe raspberries, toasty oak with tons of Asian spice.
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3/25/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Read to go now.
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3/21/2010 - pedwards wrote: 90 Points
Pop and Pour. Nice nose of raspberries, vanilla and black pepper. I really enjoyed the medium bodied smooth mouthfeel with a nice balance between the tannins and acidity. Initial burst of dark fruits that led to a peppery and vegetal mid palate and finish. I really like this.
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3/13/2010 - Arinewman wrote: 78 Points
Wasn't as lush as I remember other vintages
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3/8/2010 - kingkanu Likes this wine: 87 Points
decanted for 1hour, lighter weight than expected, purple almost to the rim, great clarity, vanilla dominating the nose a little, i can taste sour cherry and blueberries with a little pepper and spice, getting a little leather too, smooth but still evident tannins, quite long and well balanced, i'd like to try it with a few more years under its belt
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3/7/2010 - toddmk Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent, well-balanced zin. Nothing about this wine is "over the top". Nice pepper on the mouth and finish. Not a long or complex finish.
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3/3/2010 - MarkL wrote: 89 Points
Clear dark ruby
redfruit on the nose with cherry and a touch of vanilla.
Dry. High acidity. Medium body. Fruit. Tightly integrated (medium) tannin. Medium length.
Good quality. Be interesting to see what this is like in a few years. I think it could gain some complexity and some more secondary notes before it fades.
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2/26/2010 - pkbackman Likes this wine: 91 Points
Followed an '03 Bordeaux. By comparison, this was borderline fruit bomb. Rich raspberry flavors with some baking spice and a touch of oak. Really enjoyable bottle of wine
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2/26/2010 - Grape_ape Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted ~45 minutes, initially a little tight and not giving much on the nose or palate. Really started to sing around the 3 hour mark with some raspberry, prunes, spice and earth. More elegant and complex than your typical zin. Very nice.
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2/18/2010 - amateurwino wrote: 89 Points
This wine is coming around nicely; just started to emerge from primary phase and show what it's going to become. The fruit is still at the forefront - juicy berry fruit with tar, licorice, a hint of spice in the mix. I think I will like this more in 3-4 years, shows ability to age. Oak is quite present now, when it recedes I will be happier. This is solid, and I see it getting to 91ish territory. 89+ for now.
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2/17/2010 - uncle_fester wrote: 91 Points
Treated myself to a bottle of this during Snowpocolypse. Notes inline with previous bottle, but really good with Moroccan short ribs.
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2/17/2010 - uncle_fester wrote: 90 Points
Good Zin. I was hoping that the Petit sirah would give this some more funky depth, but good overall. Served during Xmas dinner. Everyone loved it. Needs about an hour to round into form.
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2/17/2010 - rjrausch wrote: 90 Points
Bright red fruit, cranberry. A good finish. Not hot, very smooth. An enjoyable zin.
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2/14/2010 - Drankthewholebottle wrote: 92 Points
Not a typical CA zin. Very dark and lovely.
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2/12/2010 - KVM wrote: 88 Points
Dark red as expected. Sketchy notes from my memory. This 375 ml bottle, room service at Houston hotel, did not impress. Clean and fruity and a little hard.. not the spicy vibrant fruit and creamy finish I was anticipating.
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2/9/2010 - Cheryl wrote:
February 2010 Tasting - Zinfandel (NYC Tasting Group - John's Home): This was my 7th choice out of 8 across the evening, so not a ringing endorsement. I found a little bit of green, with a hollow mid-palate and medium finish.
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2/6/2010 - jdoakpark wrote: 91 Points
excellent
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2/5/2010 - theplatz wrote: 92 Points
Delicious first taste. Better through Vinturi, so decanted. Really nice wine
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2/2/2010 - MHildbold wrote: 91 Points
Dense, inky color. Black raspberry, black cherry, light oak. Firm tannin, good acidity. Well balanced- not over the top zin fruit. A little tobacco, spice, and leather as well. Good compromise between myself, the old world lover, and my girlfriend, who likes california wines.
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2/2/2010 - Yme wrote: 90 Points
Dark plum colour. Fresh, fruity with a bit of pepper on the nose. Delicious with plenty of fruit in the mouth. Tight initially and became very smooth when aerated. Moderate length.
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1/28/2010 - thelostverse wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Very dark color. Nose exploded from the bottle with loads of blueberry and blackberry. Palate adds some tar and leather, but is well balanced and drinking well right from opening.
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1/24/2010 - Exdamyankee wrote: 90 Points
As a long time fan of Ridge Zins, this wine does not disappoint. This is well balanced no "over the top-ness." Nice black raspberry, black cherry and light oak notes. Good acidity. Lengthy finish. Interesting development in the glass, softening and gaining complexity over time. Should stand up for several years.
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1/24/2010 - pjaines wrote:
Interesting but I'm not sure if I like this wine or not. It was slightly chilled when I first served it (just out of the cellar) and it had a nice restrained nose - a touch of caramel and chocolate but with a semi-rich palate and a touch of violet - but still very much American. As it warmed up it became fuller, less tannic and softer - then it was just warm and gloopy and hot. Then it changed again and had a dash of acidity and was quite tarte - 3 hours later it is half way between soft and tarte. Now it is not as full as expected but there is a lot of heat here and some green vegetal elemants. I am confused - it is soft, green, hot, tarte, tannic and then soft again. Now it has gone back to tarte and tannic. Interesting and hard to form an opinion. Not really sure Zin is my bag - decent and much better than the gloopy crap of most Zinfandel on this side of the pond, but too many question marks. Well made, but probably more and issue of the grape than the winemaking.
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1/22/2010 - gorm wrote: 92 Points
Delicious meaty and spicy nose with sweet raspberry, plum, bacon, earth and soy. Drinking nicely.
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1/22/2010 - pkatz wrote: 89 Points
Well balanced. Good clean zin flavors. Again somewhat restrained for this wine - reflects the vintage. Consistent with prior bottles.
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1/16/2010 - Vinokitty wrote: 87 Points
On first tast was a bit disappointed. Very tannic w/med acidity. Not as much fruit as I am used to. As others pointed out, however, the wine defiinitely improved by the next night--would definitely aerate or decant. Second night got a lot more of the oak & fruit. I would definitely cellar this for another 1-2 years.
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1/4/2010 - VinoPKM wrote: 88 Points
Nothing wowing- good- but at $30+ not a good QPR. Probably needs more time.
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1/4/2010 - Chasse_spleen wrote: 89 Points
Well-structured with plenty of good acidity.
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1/3/2010 - pkatz wrote: 89 Points
Nice somewhat restrained for this particular wine.
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1/3/2010 - RussK wrote: 89 Points
RUSSK had w/ KLK at Michael's Genuine. Don't remember much. Pleasant. Not syrupy.
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12/18/2009 - oaklandwinelover wrote: 90 Points
still one of my favorites....good fruit forward start with great balance
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12/15/2009 - MagnumGourmet wrote:
Shiny reddish purple color. On the nose there is a slight green component almost like vicks vapo rub. Very drying tannins on the mouth which points to the inclusion of Petit Sirah. On the palate were plums, black cherries and more of the vicks vapo rub. Finish was short and clipped. Although this is a bit disjointed, I actually find myself enjoying it quite a bit. Would purchase again.
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12/14/2009 - tadhg555 wrote: 92 Points
Drank with beef carbonade. Full, lush, blackberry jam -- a keeper. Wish I had more than just a 1/2 bottle to share!
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12/13/2009 - JOJ wrote: 87 Points
Nose of smoky blackberry and brambles. On the palate, blackberry liqueur. Oaky with heat on the finish. Can really taste the petite sirah. Average.
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12/12/2009 - *Vine* wrote: 89 Points
Popped and poured. Medium garnet hue. Forward nose redolent of fruit and oak with subtle herbaceous notes developing with air plus spice and a hint of graham cracker. Medium body. On the palate, the fruit really shines...think ripe bramble fruits and black cherry intermingled with Ridge trademark notes of American oak. Very austere, with drying tannins and medium acidity just begging for food. Moderate finish. However, in typical Ridge this puts on significant weight with aeration and seemingly improves with each minute in glass. Probably best to cellar for another 1-2 years. Very tasty.
Quick commentary, this is certainly an "off" vintage of Lytton. However, it still possesses all of the traits that make a Ridge so wonderful, with trademark oak, bright fruit, and that savory, almost quenching quality that makes their wines so enjoyable. Maybe this isn't the style preferred by the modern wine consumer...but I love it.
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12/9/2009 - joshwoodward wrote: 89 Points
Popped and poured. Fairly light color. Nose has lots of red cherries, a noticeable dose of gym sock and wet dog, and a faint sweetness, like cherry cough medicine. On the palate, refreshingly light body, with healthy tannins and acidity. Spicy, restrained oak. There's even a hint of minerality. This is oddly Burgundian, like a young Cote de Beaune. This is a very different style, austere compared to the jam bombs of vintages past. It's a little simple, though, and the wet dog carries through on the palate, keeping this from being a great wine. Still, for $18, not a ripoff. Drinking well now, should hold for at least a few more years.
Update: Pumped the air out of the leftover half bottle, cracked it the next night. An unfinished glass left out for 5 hours was delicious, open and soft. This wine should have a long decant if you're planning to drink now. Bumped score from 87 to 89.
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12/3/2009 - SyrahQueen wrote: 91 Points
Very nice wine. Soft tannis and low fruit. Very jammy but not sweet like the other zins. Beautiful Zin... Highly recommend.
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11/29/2009 - DA Wines wrote: 91 Points
Enjoyed over the holiday weekend while playing scrabble with wife...wonderul fruit flavors emerged as it opened up. An excellent value at $25 per bottle.
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11/28/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Pop and pour. Plum and iron. Very rich sweet floral, flowers are alive. After 4 hrs open...deeper and richer fruit. Dark earthy barrel notes. Floral attack up front then finishing of sweet dark fruit.
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11/27/2009 - Rechrom wrote: 90 Points
Thanksgiving. Very nice, but overshadowed a bit by its sibling 2007. Nice fruit, gaining complexity, works well with food, and seems to be coming into a nice window.
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11/27/2009 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
Thanksgiving at the In-Laws: I know there are lots of reports about this being a weaker vintage, but as someone who drinks a fair amount of this wine each and every vintage, I find it to be another consistent Lytton Springs. Purple color. The nose shows black and red raspberries, a bit of briar, some oak, but not bad and some red licorice. On the palate, it is easy to drink with some tannins. The Zin is still in the forefront but I suspect this ages like most LS and the PS comes out over time. A big hit with the in-laws. Drank 2 bottles that were consistent.
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11/27/2009 - Coupe 60 wrote: 90 Points
Had with Thanksgiving dinner, and liked it...well constructed wine, dark fruit in balance...fairly straight forward but smooth...while you can taste the influence of the PS, not too big or over the top...Best way to describe it is tasty...Would buy again, especially at the great <$19 price point...
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11/26/2009 - pete s. wrote: 89 Points
Notes from memory on Thanksgiving. Nose of briary red and black fruit. Much more refined and balanced than expected on the palate. Not your typical fruit forward zin, but very good. Can't beat it at $18.
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11/26/2009 - Lulu2 wrote: 89 Points
Full fruit, more acidic .. Good..
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11/26/2009 - yenda wrote: 88 Points
blueberry, bit of heat and tannis which still need to settle down a bit. won't touch the remaining bottles for a year or two. But clearly, it will always be wine for easy drinking nothing complex nor complicated.
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11/25/2009 - RobertDwyer wrote: 89 Points
This isn't a super-challenging wine, but I'd say it's very very good. Delicious Zinfandel black fruit and blueberry flavors. Doesn't get raisin-y or over-ripe. Very clear visually- medium bodied, and a pleasure on the palate. Just a touch of grip on the back-end. Roundly enjoyed by everyone who tasted it.
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11/23/2009 - jdoakpark wrote: 90 Points
ok...but not the show stopper I thought....maybe a little time on its side will help?
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11/21/2009 - jim dixon wrote: 89 Points
This does lack concentration compared to many other vintages, but it still has the complexity and balance you expect from Lytton Springs. Ridge zins are often called "Bordeaux style" and sticking with that comparison this vintage is more like an old school elegant claret than a more modern powerhouse. At $18 a bottle (almost half the normal cost) this is a tremendous value, especially if (like me) you adore Ridge wines.
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11/20/2009 - DaleW wrote:
OK, not biggest most concentrated Lytton, but clean blackberry meets black raspberry fruit, a hint of vanilla, oregano/herb notes. Underbrush, earth, but mostly about berry fruit. Some tannins. Good, not great. B
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10/29/2009 - Cal Bear wrote: 87 Points
Went well with food but nothing special. Dark red color. Nose of blackberries and grapey fruit. Flavors of berries with leather, oaky finish, and medium tannins. Simple structure. Would have liked more black pepper, more complex fruit but decent bottle from challenging vintage for this vineyard.
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10/22/2009 - BillyT wrote: 89 Points
Lots of oak and heat on the nose with dark fruit, blueberries and blackberries and some cherry. Medium to full body with medium legs. Full bodied on the palate with spice and peppe. A hint of liquorice and even strawberries. Very smooth on the front end with a kick at the end with a lingering spicy finish. Not complex at all and lacks structure and balance IMHO. I think this does much better if paired with food rather than as an everyday drinking wine.
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10/12/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Shaking out to not be the greatest vintage of this wine to me. Very muscular on the back end, almost rasiny on the front. Not harmonious. Give another year to round out and check on again.
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9/27/2009 - MarkL wrote: 89 Points
Drunk a couple of days ago.
Deep ruby colour.
Cherry. Red fruit. Toast.
Good length.
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9/20/2009 - CO CHRIS wrote: 88 Points
Initial impressions - good enough, quite honestly on the nose the wine presents itself as grapey on the nose to begin...after some time the cedar/leather aspects crept in - fine wine, sure, great wine, not even close.
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9/16/2009 - daxjonas wrote: 93 Points
rich garnet color a little lighter than expected. i got blackberry and earth on the nose. Has all the zin bramble that I love with a much smoother mouth feel, hardly noticed the alcohol at all. Good flavor of black cherry, earth and menthol (?) with a medium long finish. Went very well with new york strip and broccoli. I like this one a lot though I do prefer the geyserville. This was a bit more thin but none the less this is a wine I would have for most others in this price range.
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9/1/2009 - WineontheBarrelhead wrote: 88 Points
Aromas of blackberries and graphite lead to firm flavors of wild berries, minerals and spice, with a touch of cedar and splash of eucalyptus on the finish. Restrained and elegant, as it were, but a complex mouthfull of wine. The alcohol content is high -- 14.7%! -- but the wine is so well balanced you'd never know it. A great example of the Ridge style. Recommended.
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8/29/2009 - BillyT wrote: 90 Points
Dinner at Boudro's and they ran out of my favorite Seghesio and recommended this wine. Popped and poured and within minutes there was wonder fruit, oak and berries on the nose. Dark plum color with nice medium to full body balanced tannins and just enough hint of spice from the petite syrah to make it interesting. Too busy eating quail, which paired famously, to concentrate on nuances and notes so I'm off to purchase another and further investigate the subtleties of this wine.
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8/19/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Zinfandel (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): lean blackberry, quite stoney. light on it's dark earth. lean bittersweet chocolate. 06 was a lighter vintage.
geyserville tends more to dark earth and smoother.
lytton tends to iron, mineral, and bramble.
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8/10/2009 - elefkowitz wrote: 89 Points
Drank along with a dozen other zins, so no formal notes. Took a while to open up but showed nice fruits up front.
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8/3/2009 - BailliSacks wrote: 90 Points
How not to love this wine? So reliable, such good value (even at $40 east coast price, grumble), and yet entirely its own thing. More structured than a straight Zin, more peppery and earthy than a Cali Cab/Meritage, easier drinking than most old world offerings. High alcohol with barely any heat. Not a deep thinker, but a great all-arounder and a winner every time.
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7/31/2009 - bluedog wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Nice fruit, plums, raspberries. Light tannins. Very pleasing wine.
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7/24/2009 - wabi47 wrote: 87 Points
a bit too sweet black cherry syrup; finishes with a bit of heat; wood is now integrated, but still not my style.
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7/14/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Much tighter and "drier" than the East Bench. And I like it more for that reason. Bramble with iron. Tasty.
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5/17/2009 - Clarkmeister wrote: 88 Points
Good but not the best LS I've had.
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5/12/2009 - gorm wrote: 90 Points
Dark red. Nice nose of raspberries, blackcurrants and tobacco. Nice structure and good fruit. Enjoyable.
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5/2/2009 - ews3 wrote: 89 Points
Philadelphia Wine Festival (Marriott, Philadelphia PA): not up to what i expect from lytton springs, one of my favorite wines and always a great value. the finish saves this, but I prefer the 04 and 05 (and hear the 07 is outstanding!)
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4/19/2009 - twoamps wrote: 89 Points
decent ridge lytton springs. Not memorable, a little rustic, even for us. Clearly a tough year.
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4/19/2009 - peternelson wrote: 88 Points
Winery: Rich blkberry, dark, conc.; spicy, big dry t’s; HUGE.
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4/10/2009 - Beavis77 wrote:
Nose of brambly dark berries. Nice level of spice. Notes of wet gravel and stone.
Great tannic structure with dusty blackberries. Nice rock quarry feel to the wine. Sharpness on the finish.
Still a bit young, but very good.
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4/6/2009 - MRichman wrote:
Broad with beautiful floral aromatics, baking spices, and dense berry fruit. Dark, stiff tannins hold the whole thing together. Long tobacco finish. Classy, expansive and pretty like a typical Ridge. Is it just me, or is the Ridge profile getting sweeter? Still, a very nice classy wine.
B
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4/6/2009 - brl75 wrote:
Very, very tight. Finally beginning to show some something on the nose at day 2. Closed down and needs time.
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3/30/2009 - Rechrom wrote: 90 Points
One hour decant. Starting to round out, nice entry and fruit, good length, interesting spicy/tobacco nose. Complements a strongly flavored meal well.
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3/17/2009 - chuckille wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for only 30 minutes. Full of tannins which mellowed out a bit after an hour. Berries were prevalent, a smokiness and tobacco flavored lingered as well. Time would make this wine even more balanced with the fruits coming out more.
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2/14/2009 - amateurwino wrote: 89 Points
Raisiny, alcoholic nose with nice hints of tar, earth, molasses. Smooth, concentrated in flavor. Tannic, but enjoyable now. A little too stewed on the palate for me. Somewhat similar to Three Valleys in overall flavor profile/ balnce with earthy elements.
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2/9/2009 - jsums wrote: 90 Points
Slightly translucent garnet color. Charming full nose of raspberry and plum framed by brown sugar, cedar, and forest floor. Forward fruit flavors of dried cranberry, dried black cherry, some toasted oak, mocha, and white pepper. Beautifully dusty and earthy structural tannins...chalk and soil with a little graphite. A hint of creme brulee finds its way in. Moderate, dry finish. This will hit its prime in a couple more years. Has a similarly elegant character and profile to a high quality, feminine Cabernet like a classic Margaux. Very delicious.
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2/8/2009 - DSAStar wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Big nose full of fruit. Red raspberries and plums, spicy and slightly peppery, velvety texture with light tannins....very pleasurable to drink with a flavor that lingers. Quite a nice Zin.
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1/21/2009 - Beavis77 wrote:
Wine 4 of Ridge Zinfandel Tasting:
A really big nose of thick and rich blackberry. Kind of jammy. I was getting a intriguing gaminess that I enjoyed. Slight hints of cedar and menthol with some of the Dry Creek Valley bramble.
Big blackberry flavors. Very fresh and juicy flavors, not thick or jammy on the palate. Nice, fairly grippy, tannins. A great, long finish of spicy berry.
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1/15/2009 - tyvoodoo wrote: 90 Points
Nice bottle of zinfandel. Popped and poured into the decanter which seemed unnecessary. Was very fleshy right out of the bottle with a big jammy nose or raspberry, strawberry and briar patch underbrush. Palate was a bit more structured with big fruit, cocoa and graham notes.
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12/27/2008 - mos wrote: 90 Points
Very yummy but a bit young. Black cherry with a creamy vanilla finish.
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12/21/2008 - peblin wrote: 89 Points
Less complex than expected. Initial, open nose with blueberry, damson plums ("krikon") and blackcurrant. After two hours, more of red fruit - cherry? Ok acidity, fairly low tannins. "Noisy" character with impresssions coming and going, one second tannic - one second flat. Young! Needs time to settle.
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11/22/2008 - Rechrom wrote: 89 Points
Good but too young to drink right now. A bit tight on palate and nose, good length and finish, complemented ribs well. Needs some time to show its stuff, but probably headed for very good in a year or two. 89+
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10/4/2008 - Rob MacKay wrote: 89 Points
My wife and I are not big Zinfandel fans but when it comes to Ridge, we always make an exception. These guys know how to make Zinfandel and in my opinion, they are probably one of the top 2 or 3 Zinfandel producers in California, if not the world. They do a wide range of Zinfandel blends ranging from low to relatively high priced and the Lytton Springs bottling is just a little north of the middle in the price range. Great juice here with lots of fruit and depth with just a touch of a blackberry jam flavor. This is an excellent bbq wine that a lot of people will enjoy.
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9/23/2008 - yhn wrote: 90 Points
(16% Petite Sirah, 4% carignane)
Nose - warm red fruit, a little hot. The Zin and Carig really show. Hint of fudge, raspberry.
A touch of heat, zest, chalky mineral, roasted plum, boysenberry, dusty tannin, smoke. Needs time. (90+ pts.)
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9/21/2008 - wabi47 wrote: 88 Points
not ready; black cherry with tannic backbone to start; softened in the glass, but still not quite integrated; will undoubtedly improve, but the geyserville was much more approachable for now
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9/3/2008 - rsepulve wrote: 92 Points
Very pleasantly surprised. I generally enjoy Ridge Zins as pedestrian, every day drinkers (usually with food), but this one was a step up in quality. Great brambly red fruit, some smoke, herbs and pepper. Silky, juicy acidity, and a decently long finish. Great complexity and balance for a wine at this price.
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8/28/2008 - spendergast wrote: 92 Points
A nice zinfandel blend. Dark red with notes of blackberry,currant, earth with lively acidity and integrated tannins. Should improve with age.
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