92+ 2002 Ridge Monte Bello 1/1/18 ($80)
74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot 13.3% alc
Color: Very deep garnet, no browning or clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Dusty cocoa with blackberry cassis fruit. Sweet/tart and lively. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. Tangy mouthfeel. Very well balanced. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as giving. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor. (3.0)
Overall: Not as developed and expressive as the SCM bottling at this point, but has very similar flavors and a bit more intensity. Probably needs a little more time to live up to its potential, could improve in the next 2-4 years. (16.5)
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