94 1993 Ridge Monte Bello 12/29/12 ($55)
86% Cab, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot 12.9% alc
Color: Very deep garnet just a touch of onion skin at the rim. No clearing, can't see through. (3.5) Bouquet: Concentrated cassis, dusty tannins, mocha and cedar. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with excellent tannins and acidity. Well balanced with a rich coating in the mouth. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not quite as open. (3.0) Finish: Comes back with even more intensity than the bouquet, showing dried black currants, smooth tannins and nutty nuances that go on and on. (4.0)
Overall: A great achievement from just a good vintage. This really opened with air, having dusty tannins that held back the cassis fruit initially. Has outstanding concentration and structure with elegance. The proverbial "fist in the velvet glove." Pretty Power! Needs just a bit more fruit to be great, but comes close. Probably at its best now and in the next few years. (17.0)
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