96+ 2002 Ridge Geyserville (Alexander Valley) 12/29/16 ($30)
84% Zinfandel, 12% Carignane, 4% Petite Sirah 14.6% alc
Color: Very deep garnet with almost no perceivable browning. Impressive. (4.0) Bouquet: Elegant, mature Zinberry (blueberry, black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry) with dusty, briary, gamy terroir. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with outstanding fruit concentration, excellent acidity and smooth tannins underneath. (3.5) Flavor: The elegant wild berry fruit is even more expressive than the bouquet. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with excellent length, but not quite as expressive and intense. (3.0)
Overall: A mature Geyserville at its best. Showing surprising elegance and complex character for a Zinfandel with dusty game and cooking spice nuances complementing a multilayered mix of Zinberry fruits. It amazes me that the Zinberry fruit is still so intense and precise, yet has acquired the elegance of maturity. One of the greatest Geyservilles I've ever tasted. Bigger than the '01, though not quite as elegant and complex, but makes up for it with its fruit intensity. These back-to-back great vintages of Geyser are one of Paul Draper's great achievements. We can only hope that the Geysers made under the new winemakers (and yes I do think they are outstanding winemakers) will be as amazing. Baugher and Olney, you have big shoes to fill, but I have a lot of confidence in you based on what you've made to this point. (17.5)
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