90+ 2003 Ridge Paso Robles Zin 12/17/05 ($25)
100% Zin, 14.8% alc
Color: Deep purple garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Concentrated, sweet blackberry and fresh fig with cedary oak complementing ( a little toasty, but attractive). Also a touch of alcohol. (2.5) Body: Excellent acidity propelled rich fruit. A solid middleweight that coats the mouth. Has enough tannin and acidity to enable it to improve over the next couple of years. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet step-for-step, being slightly restrained at present, but alcohol is less noticeable. (3.0) Finish: Really turns it up a notch here with very ripe blackberry, plum/prune and papaya. Toasty oak combines with fruit to create thought-provoking nuances. Very long and delicious. Still a little alcohol here. (3.5)
Overall: Delicious stuff that can be drunk right now. The finish is impressive and if it could drink like that from beginning to end, it would warrant 2-3 more points. Much better than the 2002 and at least as good as the 2001, better right now. See what happens in 1-3 years or drink now, your choice. The Brochelle is more fruit forward and a little better right now, but this is more interesting and classy. (15.0)