93 2014 Ridge Estate Merlot (Santa Cruz Mtns) 10/28/17 ($48)
100% Merlot 13.5% alc
Color: Deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Roasted cocoa, blackberry fruit, elegant, dusty earth (Bordeaux style) and cigarbox. Smells like Pomerol. Lively and concentrated. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with outstanding fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. Tangy mouthfeel that coats. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with more delicious fruit on top. Again, very Pomerol, not as ripe and more structure-driven than most CA Merlot. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor. Long and smooth. (3.5)
Overall: A serious Merlot that drinks like a $150+ bottle of Pomerol! The pretty, youthful blackberry fruit combined with excellent balance and structure makes it a joy to drink right now, but should age gracefully to it 10th birthday. Drink this while waiting for the more tannic Estate Cabernet to open and smooth out. Has plenty of structure to stand up to food, but so tasty that it can also be drunk alone. I wish more CA Merlot tasted like this! (16.5)
Copyright © 2006 - 2017 Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com