WTN: Pommard, Geyserville

Ridge 2005 California Geyserville. 77% Zin, 17% Carignan, 6% Petite Sirah. 14.6% abv. This is in a fine place: there's a dynamism to the interplay between fresh blackberry fruit and tertiary notes of leather, jerky, and mushroom that makes it really attractive, and the wine conveys power without seeming overtly big or overdone. Each sip shows a slightly different mix of elements, sometimes seeming perfumed and sometimes brooding. Becomes broader and flatter on the palate by the last glass but without losing its interest. Delicious.

Thierry Violot-Guillemard 2004 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens. Also in a perfect spot, this is wholly integrated, and lean without being spare, with a line of silken fruit floating over a base of savory and mineral flavors; very focused and elegant.

A good week!

[David M. Bueker]

Nice!

[Jenise]

You characterized the Ridge better than I did. But it's that "interplay" you describe that I loved about it (and might have been even more compelling from a magnum), and that in fact is my favorite stage at which to catch any maturing red wine. The tracks of the primary fruit are still there, but the tertiary notes are providing the splendor.

Thanks -- and, yes, I agree about how appealing this stage is, and I'm grateful to your note for prompting me to try this one now! -- I think it's likely to remain in this "interplay" phase for a while, but who knows, and I'm sure glad to have caught it. Two left, I think.

Thierry Violot-Guillemard 2004 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens. Also in a perfect spot, this is wholly integrated, and lean without being spare, with a line of silken fruit floating over a base of savory and mineral flavors; very focused and elegant.

A good week!

Nice. And no fierce green.

I never got to drink many 04 red Burgundies, but this one sounds like it triumphed over the vintage reputation quite nicely.