Community Tasting Note

*Vine* wrote:

Friday, July 27, 2012 - Popped and poured. Medium-plus dark ruby/purple hue, brooding. Upon first pour, the aromas are primarily those of toasted oak and show by way of vanilla bean, toasted coconut, and cinnamon graham cracker. After a good 40-50 minutes, the nose opens up to reveal a strong core of dark fruits, which evoke raspberry jam, boysenberry, and black cherry. Herbaceous complexities of mild sage, fresh oregano, chocolate mint, and perhaps even hints of menthol show as well. Medium-plus body, and terrifically structured...almost beastly for a Ridge - indeed, it veers structurally more towards that of a powerful claret than your typical CA Zinfandel, and even more so than is the norm from this producer (who is certainly known making wines in such a style). However, the claret comparisons end there, as the ripened fruit flavors are almost akin to a hypothetical blending of spicy, kirsch-infused Châteauneuf-du-Pape with that of herbaceous Priorat. The fruit complexities are heightened through a subtle impression of minerals backed by moderate acidity along with dried herbs and umami characteristics peppered throughout. Although a touch of heat shows on the lengthy close, it's really quite incidental to the lingering, intense flavors of fresh fruit propelled by rounded, chewy tannins. This will age for 10-15 years, easily.
Awesome juice, and a true testament to both the historic vineyard and renowned winey alike.

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