92 1999 Ridge St.Cruz Mtns. Cabernet 1/24/04($27)
Color: Deep purple-garnet.(3.5) Bouquet: Tannin and new oak integrated with concentrated cassis, pine and tree bark. Young, but shows forward fruit.(3.5) Body: On the heavy side of middleweight, well balanced even at this point, but tannic.(3.0) Flavor: Rich cassis with green herb and new oak complexity and tang.(3.0) Finish: Tannic, but long and balanced.(3.0)
Overall: Not a heavyweight, but very solid and very well-balanced. Shows concentrated cassis and earthy St. Cruz Mtns complexity even now. Forward fruit, but also ageworthy, similar to the ’91, which is drinking great right now. This one will start to peak in 3-4 years and be at its best in 5-7 years.(16.0)