91+ 1999 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet Sauvignon 5/22/16 ($32)
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc 12.7% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Cassis and sour cherry fruit with spicy, black pepper tannins. Not pretty, but impressively concentrated. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with big, smooth tannins still prominant and chalky. The fruit is sufficient. Astringent/tangy mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more restrained, showing some tart tannins. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor. (3.0)
Overall: The quality and ageworthy structure of this wine suggest a better score, but the chalky tannins still slightly overshadow the fruit. Surprisingly young tasting for 17 years old. The fruit is there and does have its moments, but just has trouble rising above the astringency. Still a very enjoyable Cabernet to go with red meat, showing plenty of life. I wouldn't be surprised if this improved in the next 5 years, but no guarantees. (16)
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