92+ 2011 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mtns) 11/9/14 ($44)
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc 13.0% alc
Color: Deep purple garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Sweet cassis and dried tart cranberries with smoky cedar and mocha nuances. Openly expressive for a young wine. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight to light heavyweight with a silky mouthfeel that coats. Excellent balance of fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. Delicious! (3.5) Finish: Long and tasty, but not as much intensity as flavor. (3.0)
Overall: The sweet cassis fruit on this is smooth and delicious already and propped up by an impressive combo of elegance and structure. Drinks more like a Bordeaux than a Napa Cab, but also shows smoky cedar and mocha nuances that add to its appeal. The SCM mineral terroir also gives it liveliness. A now and later wine that is drinking beautifully now and should remain this good or possibly improve to its 10th birthday. Best vintage since the '08, though not as ageworthy as the '08. (16.5)
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