2013 Ridge, “Estate, Monte Bello Vineyard,” Santa Cruz Mountains ($55) – Medium-dark ruby; attractive, deep, cassis and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of dill and green olive; full body; rich, deep, textured, concentrated, currant and dark berry fruit flavors with mineral notes and hints of cola and tobacco; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended. 13.8% alcohol; 3,250 cases; blended with 20% Merlot, 3% PV, and 2% Cabernet Franc (CF); released April 2016. (Group Score: 16.5, 1/1/0; My Score: 17 [90/100], fourth place)
2014 Ridge, “East Bench,” Dry Creek Valley ($30) – Medium-dark ruby; attractive, earthy, cedary, black cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of brown sugar, baking spices, and black pepper; full body; rich, ripe, briary, red and black fruit flavors with spicy and herbal notes, oaky under-tones, and a textured, slightly rough mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Appealing to taste now, though deserves a few more years of bottle aging. 14.9% alcohol; 5,750 cases; 100% Zinfandel; released April 2016. (Group Score: 16.3, 2/0/2; My Score: 17 [90/100], fifth place)
2014 Ridge, “Benito Dusi Ranch,” Paso Robles ($32) – Medium-dark ruby; attractive, forward, briary, slightly jammy, dark cherry and black raspberry fruit aroma with hints of black olive, dill, and other dried herbs; full body; rich, herbal, textured, slightly jammy, red and black fruit flavors with good depth and acid balance full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Rich, ripe fruit makes the wine very appealing to drink now. Very highly recommended. 14.4% alcohol; 4,250 cases; 100% Zinfandel; released April 2016. (Group Score: 16.2, 0/2/2; My Score: 17 [90/100], sixth place)
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