Tasting Note                         

92    1999 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet    7/28/07 ($32)

12.7% alc
Color: Very deep garnet with no clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Rich cassis, gray ashes, black pepper and black olives. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight with very healthy amounts of tannin and acidity propelling excellent fruit. (3.0) Flavor: Drier and more backward than the bouquet. Needs a bit more time. If drinking now, give it an hour in a decanter. (2.5) Finish: Almost equals the bouquet, but not quite as giving and interesting. Still long and forceful. (3.0)
Overall: This is a solid excellent and very enjoyable now, but could gain 1-2 points in the next 2-3 years. Classic SCM Cabernet. (15.5)