93 2005 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet/Merlot 2/24/18 ($32)
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot 13.7% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. No browning or clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Concentrated black pen ink and cassis fruit complemented by dusty cocoa, briar and subtle forestal nuances. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit and smooth tannins, also excellent acidity that livens up the fruit. Coats the mouth very nicely. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with fruit being most prevalent. Delicious. (3.5) Finish: Long and tasty, but not quite as expressive as flavor. (3.0)
Overall: An outstanding Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet blend with outstanding structure and fruit. The high percentage of Merlot makes it smooth and ready to drink right now after an hour or two of air, unlike the Monte Bello, which is still very young with brooding tannins. Will continue to smooth out and may gain more complexity in the next 5 years, but a joy to drink right now. (16.5)
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