Berry cobbler, mexican chocolate, cigar wrapper, succulent and inviting palate that draws you back, but the most alluring detail is the freshness and generosity here; everything is on display. A celebration. It's so sweet yet hardly sweet at all when the chalky persistence takes over on the finish and reminds you this wine is not without power. It's possible that this hasn't changed at all in the 6 years since I last tasted it.
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Plenty of sediment in this one - both stuck to the glass and settled to bottom of bottle. From 375 that means a short pour for everyone. Served with Boston Cream Pie. Dark plum red color, nearly fully opaque. Aromas of ripe and overripe berries in a hot berry patch, some stewed fruit notes, raisin, fig, and plum. Palate has a bright ripe berry jam entry which shows the raisin character toward the end of the long finish. This is very thick and nearly syrupy...heading toward "Port-lite" since it has no fortification but otherwise has the hallmarks of a vintage port. Expect this is now mature and lasts like this for a very long time. Drink or hold.
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Very nice surprise, served double-blind, I really had no idea, other than I knew whomever was producing it, had their act really together. Nothing over the top here; quite the opposite. Though I really didn't get a sense of Zinfandel, per se, unless we're talking about the very elegant side of the grape which is too seldom seen. This is interesting from the first taste, med>full-bodied, restrained, understated, very pure. A joy to drink and experience; thanks, Pat. 13,3% abv. No sign of fading at all; drink or hold. highly recommended
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Not closed or too primary, but rather open, fruity, excellent. This is wonderfully balanced, with sweetness checked by good structure and brightness. Of course, this tastes a lot like Geyserville, just in a deeper, sweeter, much unctuous gear. Overall, quite effortless and of course these are a treat as a change of pace from white dessert wines. Should hold for a long time. Really liked this.
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like currants, dates and oak. Fantastic fortified wine. I would love to put a bottle on my shelf and see where it can go in 20 years. I would definitely drink again!
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Went perfect with my chocolate sopapilos. Off the nose I got lots of brown sugar, oak and dark fruit. Had a slight 'alcohol' smell too that was intriguing. A rush of currants and dates went through my mouth with a smooth texture, and slightly tannic finish. I would definitely drink again.
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Just a superb wine... What else can you say about these Ridge Essences?
Deep dark purple/black at this extremely young stage. Super potent nose of black fruit (plum, blackberry, cherry, mulberry...). In the mouth just like a wine grape jam or preserve but then again not. There is no hint of any over ripe character or "cooked" notes. Just an extremely extracted vision of Zinfandel with some tannin and wonderful acidity. At the end in this wine is a dusty sense of place. Sweet end of summer Sonoma County....
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Among the best dessert wines I've ver had. According to a Ridge employee Draper thought out loud about making this the last vintage of this wine since it would be impossible to make it this good again. Silky mouthfeel, brilliant bright fruit, long, long finish. Absolutely delicious. Drink now or hold for 10-15 years.
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3/28/2023 - andtheodor wrote: 93 Points
Berry cobbler, mexican chocolate, cigar wrapper, succulent and inviting palate that draws you back, but the most alluring detail is the freshness and generosity here; everything is on display. A celebration. It's so sweet yet hardly sweet at all when the chalky persistence takes over on the finish and reminds you this wine is not without power. It's possible that this hasn't changed at all in the 6 years since I last tasted it.
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8/6/2021 - fredb Likes this wine:
Plenty of sediment in this one - both stuck to the glass and settled to bottom of bottle. From 375 that means a short pour for everyone. Served with Boston Cream Pie.
Dark plum red color, nearly fully opaque. Aromas of ripe and overripe berries in a hot berry patch, some stewed fruit notes, raisin, fig, and plum. Palate has a bright ripe berry jam entry which shows the raisin character toward the end of the long finish. This is very thick and nearly syrupy...heading toward "Port-lite" since it has no fortification but otherwise has the hallmarks of a vintage port. Expect this is now mature and lasts like this for a very long time. Drink or hold.
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9/17/2019 - NickA Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ridiculously heavy sediment, but still really fun (and unique). Lipsmacking and floral, sweet and long. Great finish to tonight's tasting.
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3/1/2017 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
Very nice surprise, served double-blind, I really had no idea, other than I knew whomever was producing it, had their act really together. Nothing over the top here; quite the opposite. Though I really didn't get a sense of Zinfandel, per se, unless we're talking about the very elegant side of the grape which is too seldom seen. This is interesting from the first taste, med>full-bodied, restrained, understated, very pure. A joy to drink and experience; thanks, Pat. 13,3% abv. No sign of fading at all; drink or hold. highly recommended
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11/23/2016 - andtheodor wrote: 93 Points
Succulent, dense, and persistent. A very fine essence, would drink this all the time if I could.
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11/19/2016 - blanquito wrote: 93 Points
Not closed or too primary, but rather open, fruity, excellent. This is wonderfully balanced, with sweetness checked by good structure and brightness. Of course, this tastes a lot like Geyserville, just in a deeper, sweeter, much unctuous gear. Overall, quite effortless and of course these are a treat as a change of pace from white dessert wines. Should hold for a long time. Really liked this.
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2/21/2014 - Flavito wrote: 92 Points
Similar notes, evolving at glacial pace.
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2/25/2013 - Austin Ferrari Likes this wine: 92 Points
like currants, dates and oak. Fantastic fortified wine. I would love to put a bottle on my shelf and see where it can go in 20 years. I would definitely drink again!
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2/19/2013 - Austin Ferrari Likes this wine: 91 Points
Went perfect with my chocolate sopapilos. Off the nose I got lots of brown sugar, oak and dark fruit. Had a slight 'alcohol' smell too that was intriguing. A rush of currants and dates went through my mouth with a smooth texture, and slightly tannic finish. I would definitely drink again.
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11/4/2011 - fergus12 wrote: 92 Points
Very interesting. Carried weight and alcohol very easily and had a vibrant acidity so wasn't cloying. Will keep an eye out for in future.
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5/6/2011 - Flavito wrote: 92 Points
Very sweet and primary now, but with the stuffing for long term aging. Really nice.
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6/5/2010 - WetRock wrote:
Jimsomare Vertical at The White House (The White House, Anaheim, CA): 17% RS. Smells like sweet plum baked dessert. Pretty good balance for such a super sweet wine. Sweet fruit plum flavors. Very good for the style.
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1/10/2010 - locovino wrote: 96 Points
Just a superb wine... What else can you say about these Ridge Essences?
Deep dark purple/black at this extremely young stage. Super potent nose of black fruit (plum, blackberry, cherry, mulberry...). In the mouth just like a wine grape jam or preserve but then again not. There is no hint of any over ripe character or "cooked" notes. Just an extremely extracted vision of Zinfandel with some tannin and wonderful acidity. At the end in this wine is a dusty sense of place. Sweet end of summer Sonoma County....
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12/5/2009 - gjv115 wrote: 95 Points
Among the best dessert wines I've ver had. According to a Ridge employee Draper thought out loud about making this the last vintage of this wine since it would be impossible to make it this good again.
Silky mouthfeel, brilliant bright fruit, long, long finish. Absolutely delicious. Drink now or hold for 10-15 years.
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