Tasting Note                          

87      2001 Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County 10/16/04 ($16)

50% Zin, 15% PS, 15% Carignane, 11% Mataro, 9% Grenache
This interesting field blend, which is the new name for the Coast Range, has forward Zin fruit, which is very attractive. It also has some gamy complexity that is reminiscent of their Geyserville. The down side of this wine is too much chalky acidity, possibly from the Carignane, that gives it a balsamic vinegar-like bouquet. Also the blend comes off a little odd, trying to be both a Zin and a Rhone blend and not doing either convincingly. Nonetheless, it is a tasty wine with a lot of personality for the price. It has the body to age for a couple of years, but its lack of balance encourages me to drink it while the young fruit is intact.