93(16.0) 1993 Ridge York Creek CabSauv 1/31/03 ($25)
100% Cabernet 13.4% alc
Color: Deep garnet with a good amount of onion skin, looks like it’s starting to peak. (3.0) Bouquet: Blackberry and red cherry with an interesting combo of richness and tartness. Eucalyptus and dusty tannins, although refined not rustic. A sweet richness is thrown in, reminiscent of white chocolate. Also black peppery tannins prevalent. (3.0) Body: Full and rich with plenty of tannin, although plenty of fruit as well. A light heavyweight, i.e., plenty of power, but with restraint. (3.5) Flavor: Slightly green tannins combined with multilayered fruit hit you with intensity. Dusty, spicy York Creek terroir also present. (3.0) Finish:
Parallels bouquet and flavor, but more vigorous. Comes together here with more ripe, rich cassis, possibly a sign of things to come.
Overall: Excellent! A rich, yet restrained, somewhat classy, Bordeaux-styled Cabernet. 100% Cab makes it more forceful than usual, reminiscent of the ’85, but I think this is more balanced.
Could wait on this another 2 years or so, as just starting to peak, but its present intensity is a pleasure that you may not get later on, even though it will become more ripe and smooth. This is the final vintage of a wonderful Napa Cabernet. My 13th vintage of this wine out of a possible 20. This one ranks right up there, only the ’78 and the ’90 were clearly better. (16.0)