93+ 1997 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet 9/15/07 ($31)
75% Cab, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Merlot, 2% Cab Franc 12.8% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. Can’t see through, no signs of clearing, but looks nearly ready. (4.0) Bouquet: Rich, ripe cassis with floor wax and black pepper nuances. Very fine. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with wonderful balance of acidity and slightly dusty tannins surrounding a rich core of Cabernet fruit. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but a little more restrained. (3.0) Finish: Parallels bouquet, long and tasty, but could be bigger. (3.0)
Overall: A terrific Cabernet blend that is just reaching its peak. I gave it 17 pts (technically great), but think that overall it does not deliver greatness, yet. It should become more giving in the next year or so. Even now I love it after an hour in a decanter. Got better and better going down the bottle. (17.0)