Killer nose out of the gates. Blackberry and mega tar. Smell the ink. But also mega mineral. Concentrated and deep with mega tarriness and inky blackberry fruit. Big slatey tannins but not unruly as there is a sense of refinement here. Juicy and deep. This is very very fine. Has 20+ years. — 5 years ago
Decidedly less brioche than a recent 06, more lemon rind. Less unruly / youthfully exuberant vs. others in class of 08. Developed nicely over the duration of dinner. — a year ago
Not sure if Draper is still making these wines, but Ridge has been so consistent & solid over the years... and this affordable kitchen sink blend is delicious: dark & rich, big extraction here w/mouth coating tannins and gobs of brambly red & black berry fruit. Def some oak in this bad boy, hi ABV as well. Bit unruly right now - probably needs a nap for a few years. — 3 years ago
Wonderful unruly and spicy, but lightly flattering and later somewhat creamy. Makes you dream sitting in Tuscan vineyards in evening sun. 700 Celsius grilled Flank steak of “werdenfelser weiderind” - violett asparagus in rosemary butter - “Haferwurz”, hazelnut oil - bob dylan on vinyl, make wine not war- a perfect wine now — 3 years ago
Really good, sweet but crisp, not syrupy — 2 years ago
Man I just love Norton - it is such a fun, expressive wine. It’s loud & boisterous and downright unruly, but it’s uniquely American. Inky and brimming with black fruit galore & then menthol, medicinal, licorice, forest floor, squirrely spice just pour out of the glass. So expressive. On the palate it is voluptuous w/plenty of acidity & tannins, it’s just a bit clumsy, but it means well. Black fruit compote with kitchen sink spices envelope the palate. Decent finish. Don’t know what the hell you’re supposed to eat with this stuff but it’s a lot of fun. — 2 years ago
Dean Bennett
2019. Second wine at unruly pig. Delicious — a year ago