Synopsis, Our Opinion: Absolutely delicious Merlot.
Producer/Winery: Ridge Vineyards; Cupertino, California.
Grape Variety: Merlot.
Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Santa Cruz Mountains; Central Coast, California.
Vintage: 2017
Price: $50.00 (with a club discount)
Purchased From: Ridge Vineyards; Monte Bello Vineyard Tasting Room; Cupertino, California.
Paired With: Meatballs and pasta in white sauce and corn on the cob
Tasting:
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Opened and decanted one hour before drinking. Opaque, inky ruby color with a light purple rim. Eloquent aromas of blackberry, plum, toffee candy and fresh cut cedar. SMOOTH, dry, plush and luscious mouthfeel, medium to full body and a 200-grit texture. Utterly overflowing with blackberry, blueberry, cherry, tart currents, vanilla and coffee flavors, but with a persistent stony mineral taste that really developed by the third pour. Well integrated edgy acidity, silky smooth yet rather bold tannins and a long layered ripe blackberry tasting finish. WOW, WOW, WOW this was noteworthy Merlot. There was lots of California sunshine in the bottle, but the silky texture with bountiful and diverse flavors were a revered Merlot experience. Absolutely delicious Merlot.
Photo from Ridge Vineyards.
See also: Our reviews of other Ridge Vineyards wines.
Alcohol Content: 14.3%
Closure: Aluminum covered 50mm Natural cork.
UPC Code: 7 44442 15100 4
Imported by: Not applicable.