June 18, 2022 - A truly magical wine in a great place right now. Opened for 3 hours and then decanted for another 2. A bit more would have been better as it continued to open up in the glass.
May 25, 2022 - This is getting better and better, as the once underrated vintage comes into its own with age. More bordeaux in style than napa, but i’d say the best of both worlds. Perfect now and for the next 10 years.
December 4, 2021 - Well, at least it goes out with style. Much better than my notes from a little over a year ago. But not worthy of cult status or cost. Still drinking well, but on the long decline.
June 1, 2021 - This earthy and elegant Pritchard Hill Cabernet is still going strong, with a density and lift that speak to the magic of more than two decades in the bottle. Garnet in color; medium in body; aromas of dried blueberry, tobacco, dried roses, and baking spices. Mature flavors of sour cherry, rhubarb, and cardamon, with an integrated and delicate finish that has plenty of lift. 13.9% alcohol. Drink in next 3-5 years, but no rush: this wine has hit an impressive, mature stride. 94+ at the moment.
I drank this on the same night as a 1997 Monte Bello (out of half bottle), a blend from a warmer year and more southern appellation. As one might expect from Paul Draper, the Ridge was more herbal and savory, with pronounced notes of olive, ribeye, and ash (notes that most Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernets have, with perhaps some dried dill coming from Ridge's American oak regimen). Regardless of what one thinks of Helen Turley and Napa in the late 1990s (e.g., "shame! shame!"... or something similarly stupid), this Bryant has a more delicate mouthfeel and buoyant finish, while the Ridge was more full and damp. (Your preferences will track if you lean Napa or Bordeaux, respectively.) Each wine was lovely to me, but tonight I preferred the brightness and energy of the New World.
March 6, 2021 - 45th Bday 1934-1999. When Diamond Creek is weakest of the night (Zoom): Very good. A different league than the volcanic - perfumed red fruits - I would have not guessed 98. Very dark mountain fruit, perfumed fruit. Incredibly long finish. This showed very well. Those who dismissed the 98s should be vanished to an island where all they drink are 97s.
January 28, 2021 - tomato stems, dusty blackberries, mushrooms, truffle, cedar, earth spice, dried red florals and bruised cherry
seems like provenance or storage is key to the reviews here. unfortunately the bottle that was shared with me felt old and tired. very herbaceous, but just a touch of elegance at the end.
June 27, 2020 - Huge dissapointment, especially re-reading my notes from 2017 (94 points). Obviously this is well in decline and not anything close to its price. Seemed acidic and lacking fruit and depth. Still perfectly good, but only at $30/btl.
May 5, 2020 - Perfectly stored bottle. What an amazing wine! Great balance, amazing young flavors, still quite a bit of fruit left, dark cherries. Great stuff!
April 20, 2019 - lovely wine - rounded, balanced, some complexity - very enjoyable. Was among the best among a tasting of high end Napa wine from the 90's.
April 13, 2019 - Very similar notes to last tasting in July of 2018. Very pleasant, but would not wait to drink if you have more bottles in your cellar... and yes, an excellent complement to burgers off the grill! Yum!