TN: 2 New Reds from Ridge

Many thanks to Ridge Vineyards Midwest Regional Sales Manager Christina Donley for gifting these two lovely wines to us shortly before they were released. We took them to the Niagara Peninsula to share with our cohort in crime, Alan Kerr aka Canadian Zinfan. The rest is history!

2006 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate, 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 2% Petite Verdot, 13.7% alc.: Deep dark color, almost opaque; black currant, cassis and tobacco shaded with some pretty cream and violet on the nose; plenty more of the same on the palate, with a dose of creamy oak, and yes, there’s some “Draper perfume” here. Smooth, full-bodied and solidly structured, this is already drinking well with some air and food, but can go several years in the cellar. A 10-year wine and more, and that should give the oak plenty of time to integrate. Very nice indeed! Find this wine

2007 Ridge Sonoma Geyserville, 58% Zinfandel, 22% Carignane, 18% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, 14.4% alc.: Deep dark color, and throwing a lovely Draper perfume of sweet oak, lavender, violet, black raspberry and blueberry, all of which echoes and expands beautifully on the palate. Very smooth and ripe (but not over-ripe), and deceptively well structured for several years in the cellar, but really tasty right now. A beautiful Geyserville, this!

-From More Holiday Hijinx with Mr. Ridge (& Ravenswood too!)

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.

I wish oak notes weren't so prominent with Ridge. They seem to have veered from old Bretty wood to new Vanilla-y wood without an intermediate step.

[David M. Bueker]

I've always found the wines woody in their youth (only a few were bretty), but it integrates over time. 10 years is my usual hold period before I really start to like the integrated flavors.

David,

I agree 100%. I've been buying Geyserville and Lytton in every vintage since '87 and I almost never touch them before 8-10 years. At that point the wood is integrated nicely.

This reminds me, I have to go pick up my '07 Geyserville this week.

Tom T.

David,

I agree 100%. I've been buying Geyserville and Lytton in every vintage since '87 and I almost never touch them before 8-10 years. At that point the wood is integrated nicely.

This reminds me, I have to go pick up my '07 Geyserville this week.

Tom T.

Tom, I haven't seen any 07 Ridge wines locally yet, but I just bought some 06 Lytton for $20.49 per bottle! If you wanted some at that price, and would drive to Mo'Cool (Ann Arbor Mi) in August, I could deliver you a case (or even a six-pak for cheap!

Bob,

Thanks. I already have my '06 Ridge wines. The '07 Geyserville was offered here in early April and the wines are arriving now. I paid $30 net for '07 Geyserville.

Tom T.

Bob,

Thanks. I already have my '06 Ridge wines. The '07 Geyserville was offered here in early April and the wines are arriving now. I paid $30 net for '07 Geyserville.

Tom T.

Tom,
That is a reasonable price, but it approaches my limit for zinfandel, even Ridge zin. Have you opened an 06 Lytton?

Have you opened an 06 Lytton?

Nope. I haven't even opened 2000 Lytton. I'm still drinking Geyserville and Lytton from the previous century (although I'm almost out except for a few bottles that I'm saving in the name of science).

Tom

[David M. Bueker]

I haven't even come close to finishing off my 1997s yet.

Have you opened an 06 Lytton?

Nope. I haven't even opened 2000 Lytton. I'm still drinking Geyserville and Lytton from the previous century (although I'm almost out except for a few bottles that I'm saving in the name of science).

Tom

Tom, ask Robin, Zin don't age! Really the 2005 and 2006 Lytton is so good I doubt I will be able to age any. But I will try to put away a couple of each.

C'mon, guys, you gotta test drive these things to see what they're all about. It's part of the fun of being a wine geek!

Troiano, long time no talk! Haven't seen your name in years. Hope all is well.

Bob, any chance Madame and I can get in on some of that Lytton action?

C'mon, guys, you gotta test drive these things to see what they're all about. It's part of the fun of being a wine geek!

Troiano, long time no talk! Haven't seen your name in years. Hope all is well.

Bob, any chance Madame and I can get in on some of that Lytton action?

George, just let me know how many you want, and they are yours!