90 2010 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mtns) 5/24/13 ($40)
80% CS, 17% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cab Franc 13.0% alc
Color: Similar depth of color to the Merlot, but more black (less red) cherry. Deep. (3.0) Bouquet: Cedary, milk chocolate oak complements blackberry fruit. (3.0) Body: Light Heavyweight with excellent acidity and smooth tannins and very good fruit. A little more tannin and less acidity than the Merlot. (3.0) Flavor: Tart, astringent red cherry, red currant and blackberry, more spicy than the Merlot. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor. (3.0)
Overall: Tart cherry, red currant and blackberry fruit with excellent acidity and smooth tannins. Similar to the Merlot in every way, including less than an abundance of fruit, but it's sufficient. I like the structure and balance of both of these wines though, making me susupect that they will improve with time. This one needs at least 5 years to integrate and will likely be at its best around 10 years old. (15.0)
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