94 1997 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet 3/17/12 ($31)
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Merlot, 2% Cab.Franc 12.8% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. Amazingly shows no clearing or browning. Looks mature, but dense. (3.5) Bouquet: Smooth caramelized vanilla with concentrated cassis and black pepper. Also has elegance with some black ink and slight clay. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent acidity and smooth tannins. Silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet step for step. (3.5) Finish: Smooth, elegant and delicious, but not quite as concentrated as flavor with a touch of chalkiness in the tannins. (3.0)
Overall: Very Bordeaux (Pauillac in particular) with power and elegance. Smooth, concentrated cassis, black pepper, black ink and some burnt vanilla. Very well balanced with lots of healthy, smooth tannins supporting. Started out a solid excellent and just got better and better over the course of a few hours. Probably at its best now and in the next 2 years, but should drink well for another 5. (16.5)
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