88 2002 Ridge Paso Robles Zin 7/4/04($25)
Color: Medium purple-burgundy. A little light.(2.5) Bouquet: Young and slightly grapey Zinberry fruit with a rustic, alcoholic component. Needs air and time, but has interesting briar complexity.(2.5) Body: A bit lean with a slight alcohol edge showing, but has an attractive combo of spice and racy acidity.(3.0) Flavor: Rich, fresh fig fruit propelled by racy acidity along with briary spice. Delicious.(3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but lighter and a bit tart. Briary spice goes on and on long after fruit flavors fade.(2.5)
Overall: A delicious young wine that may be at its best right now. On the other hand, it could put on some weight with 1-2 yrs of bottle age. It is surprisingly elegant for its alcohol content, but this is a hallmark of Ridge single vineyard Zins. Similar in weight to the 2000, but richer, although doesn't have its balance(14.0)