93 2015 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mtns) 6/15/18 ($55)
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc 13.5% alc
Color: Very deep purple garnet. (3.5) Bouquet Ripe black currants, blackberries and a little black plum complemented by cocoa, elegant dusty earth and forestal complexity. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. Coats the mouth nicely. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, showing a lot of fruit, but not as much secondary nuances. (3.0) Finish: Long, interesting and delicious. My favorite part. (3.5)
Overall: The fruit here is surprisingly giving and open for such a young Cab from the SCM. Another outstanding vintage for this wine. I'd say comparable in quality to my two recent favorites '12 and '13, but not as perfectly balanced as the '12 and not as structured as the '13. This is also a little more ripe than the other two, moving towards Napa Cab, but not quite. This can be enjoyed now or aged for another 7-10 years, depends on how you like 'em. (16.5)
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