Still delightful at nearly age 32, the Elderton Command Shiraz begins with a big, new oak influenced bouquet of butterscotch and vanilla with hints of plums, then transitions to a palate of velvety, caressing black fruits, sweet new oak, cascading minerality, and a long, smooth finish with touches of lingering acidity. This is truly a spectacular New World wine.
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In a double blinded tasting of a dozen top end French and Californian “Rhône blends” from 1990 to 1998, the Geyserville came out on top. Despite the strong competition (eg., Beaucastel, Vieux Telegraphe) the Ridge rose to the top due to complexity, seamlessness, and shear drinkability. Yes, these were all quite different wines, but the age and “commonality of purpose” made for a delightful comparison.
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Still a delight, smoothly cruising a long plateau of drinkability, the 1987 Mondavi Reserve remains an alluring, full bodied, complex red. The palate exhibits a brooding quality with significant depth to the sweet black fruits, earth, tobacco and leather. The finish is long and smooth with a few spicy nuances. Although the 1991 Reserve presents a bit more clarity and complexity, the 1987 is a star in its own right.
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1992 Elderton Shiraz Single Vineyard Command
12/9/2023 - SMWSLT Likes this wine: 94 Points
Still delightful at nearly age 32, the Elderton Command Shiraz begins with a big, new oak influenced bouquet of butterscotch and vanilla with hints of plums, then transitions to a palate of velvety, caressing black fruits, sweet new oak, cascading minerality, and a long, smooth finish with touches of lingering acidity. This is truly a spectacular New World wine.
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1993 Ridge Geyserville
10/25/2022 - SMWSLT Likes this wine: 93 Points
In a double blinded tasting of a dozen top end French and Californian “Rhône blends” from 1990 to 1998, the Geyserville came out on top. Despite the strong competition (eg., Beaucastel, Vieux Telegraphe) the Ridge rose to the top due to complexity, seamlessness, and shear drinkability. Yes, these were all quite different wines, but the age and “commonality of purpose” made for a delightful comparison.
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1987 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
2/21/2022 - SMWSLT Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still a delight, smoothly cruising a long plateau of drinkability, the 1987 Mondavi Reserve remains an alluring, full bodied, complex red. The palate exhibits a brooding quality with significant depth to the sweet black fruits, earth, tobacco and leather. The finish is long and smooth with a few spicy nuances. Although the 1991 Reserve presents a bit more clarity and complexity, the 1987 is a star in its own right.
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