October 13, 2020 - Opened for 1 hour. Color still deep ruby but getting some orange on the rim. On the nose: Pepper, cassis, strawberry , vanilla and some funk at the end. On the palate :Very nice Strawberry and mixed berries and some nice vanilla. Quite smooth and elegant. The finish is very long. I get strawberry and soft vanilla long after I’ve swallowed. Tastes fresh for it’s age IMO. I think this is drinking very well.
September 8, 2019 - Still a bit tannic but possessing good acidity
June 4, 2017 - A fairly well made wine that will displays typical notes of Grenache without much support from the other varietals present (Petite Sirah, Zinfandel). Displays a predictably medium garnet color and on the approach delivers some nice notes of blackberries, blueberries and perhaps a touch of cedar - almost reminiscent of a modernist Barolo. The wine really just slightly past peak however; it is not bad, just not going to develop any further. Tannins were very smooth, allowing for fruit to really jump to the forefront but in a fairly muted way. Decanted, the wine stood up for a good hour so no need to rush and drink every last bottle, but I think it's in the 7th inning at least. Just a touch more backbone and this bottle would've rated 90+ and improved it's aging trajectory.
February 3, 2016 - Right out of the bottle with tropical Grenache notes. Trademark ridge barrel has smoothed out quite a bit. Remembering the gren /Syrah 04 drank a few years ago was tough, this smooth. Interesting with almost a quarter of the blend coming from petite sirah and zin. The zin definitely pops on the finish with strawberry preserve. Raspberry and black fruit spread. Softly tannic at this stage. Ready to go!
Excellent
January 17, 2016 - Dark red color. Nose of red fruits, plum, a bit of smoke. Palate is initially tannic with cherry, raspberry, earth, and iron. Finish is medium-long. On day two, the tannins integrate and this drinks much better. Decant or hold.
October 2, 2015 - Aroma: musky blackberries and roasted meat with hints of tobacco.
Palate: Rich and plush with red cherries, plums and currants. Mature tannins and moderate acidity. Some notes of garrigue, wood spice, lavender and leather. Complex and very enjoyable. Drink now.
August 4, 2014 - Very nice wine - decant for at least two hours
March 18, 2014 - A food wine w fair bit if acid but solid tannic structure on finish w tobacco notes.
August 13, 2012 - Tasted fantastic after aeration. I take that to indicate it has plenty of time left in it.
July 1, 2012 - Upon opening with wine was a jumble mess with an off putting finish- tart. But after some air this wine showed a lot better. Was happy with this one and need to rejoin the Ridge ATP. I like the PS in this wine.