92+ 2014 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mtns) 5/27/17 ($50)
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc 13.7% alc
Color: Very deep purple garnet. (3.5) Bouquet Black currant, black plum and blackberry fruit with cocoa cedar, dusty tannins and a mineral component that gives it character. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and dusty tannins. Coats the mouth nicely. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not as pretty. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor step-for-step. Long, but a little austere at this point. (3.0)
Overall: A very young Cabernet that needed extended decanting to open and be attractive. Still only showing a fraction of what it could ultimately become and really needs about 10 years of bottle age, at least. I drank this next to the '13 Estate Merlot, which is a much more charming wine at this point. But make no mistake, the quality here is very high and this Cabernet will reward patience. (16.0)
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