Tasting Note                         

90   2010  Ridge  Estate Merlot   (Santa Cruz Mtns)   5/24/13 ($40)

    100% Merlot   13.2% alc
Color: Deep purple red to black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Cedary, milk chocolate to mocha oak with sweet/tart blackberry fruit and black pepper. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight to light Heavyweight with excellent acidity and smooth tannins and very good fruit. Tangy mouthfeel that coats. (3.0) Flavor: The fruit is lively, but lean with cedar being prevalent, but not overdone. (3.0) Finish: Shows the most richness here with silky tannins and fruit lingering. (3.0)
Overall: A lean style, consistent with the cool vintage. Excellent acidity propels sweet/tart red cherry and blackberry fruit with cedar highlights. Excellent, smooth tannins support it all, which should allow it to age gracefully over the next 4-6 years. Better the 2nd day. (15.0)

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