David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

A few things; I still have not opened a bad bottle of Ridge, not even a corked bottle & I’ve had a number of them. First time having this bottling. I don’t drink a lot of Zinfandel or Zinfandel blends but when I do, I prefer Ridge’s style.

96% Zinfandel & 4% Petite Sirah. Decanted 40 minutes.

Intense nose of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, boysenberries and hints of blueberries, incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty, dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice, some; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon. Liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers.

The palate shows; round, lush & juicy fruits of; brambly blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, liqueured dark cherries. boysenberries, notes of poached strawberries and hints of blueberries. Incense, soft black pepper, mid berry cola, black licorice, light barrel shavings, vanilla, melty dark chocolate, caramel notes, dark spice with some heat, a little; nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, finely crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, used iron pan notes, powdered minerals, liquid violets, lavender and red candid flowers, excellent round acidity, tall structure & fairly big tension, well balanced and nicely, layered, polished finish that lasts nearly 90 seconds.

Still a bit young to me. Better in 5-7 yrs and will drink well for another 5-7 after that. More new wood use here than I am used to in their Zin & Zin blends.

Paired nicely with my Allen Brothers burger.

Photos of; the drive up entry to Ridge’s tasting room hilltop above Cupertino, cellar barrel, Ponzo Vineyard fruit and their tasting terrace. — 7 months ago

Ken Venezio

9.3

Krupps 3/4. Deep purple in the glass. Hint of allspice and cinnamon on the palate with a ton of dark berries and chocolate. This wine has layers of structure with a long elegant finish. Loved it. — 2 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

The second Bordeaux to pair with our Allen Brothers steak trio. Thought we’d do a Right Bank & Left Bank. For me, having a Right Bank after a Left Bank is the better order to have them. Merlot based Bordeaux is always a little softer. Drinks better after you’ve finished your steak. Not as food dependent.

2007 is not known as a remarkable Bordeaux vintage. However IMHO, the ones I’ve had for the most part have developed better in bottle over time than the release reviews. I would also say that about 1997 & 1999.

On mouth entry, the fruits starts like Napa Cabernet for 4-5 seconds before yielding to; tobacco, cedar, stones & forest floor. Quite a good follow to the La Dame de Montrose.

Had dinner at the Château during En Primeur in 2014.

Photos of; hillside shot of Larcis Ducasse, concrete tanks, very old stone entrance and beautiful harvested Merlot. — 4 years ago

Jess

8.9

Speck Brothers Family Tree Pinot Noir 2022

Pale ruby-garnet color.
Aromas of red fruit.
Dry. Flavors of red cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, red licorice. Light and fresh. Soft tannins.

Intensity: 3/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — a year ago

Ken Venezio

9.4

Krupp Bros wine 4/4. Wow!! Although listed as a Cab Sauv, this is actually a 77% Cab Franc 15% Merlot 8% Petite Verdot wine. Inky purple in the glass and offers pure elegance. They should call this wine Mr Velvet. Some spice on the nose with black cherry, blackberry and clove throughout the finish. Big drinker. — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.4

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix. This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc blend from the great 2012 vintage.

Full bodied and bold with medium acidity and long legs.

Showing black fruits with cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, earth, peppercorn, chocolates, tobacco, herbs and coffee.

This 10 year old Single Vineyard is extracted and rich, yet elegant.

This fabulous wine is drinking wonderfully right now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

I paired it with a Charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. Aged for 22 months in (70% new) French Oak barrels. A tiny production of only 5 barrels.

94 points.

$150. — 2 years ago

Jess

9.0

Pale ruby color.
Aromas of black fruit, cherry, plum, blackberry
Dry. Flavors of fresh, ripe black fruit, blackberry, floral, oak spice. Moderate, silky tannins. Good acidity.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 2 years ago

Ken Venezio

9.0

KruppBros wine 2/4. Dark chocolate, wild berry and vanilla on the palate. Has a great mouthfeel. Sits on the tongue for quite a while before finishing with some mild spice. — 2 years ago

Ken Venezio

9.3

Krupp Bros Wine night. This is wine 1/4. Crazy big 100% Syrah. Opens to a mouthfeel of plum, cocoa powder and raspberry. My favorite wine of the night. Highly recommend. — 2 years ago

JKT

9.1

Moore Brothers 9/18/19 Italian Intro #4. Deep ruby color and complex spicy cherry nose. Firm texture medium body good balance with acids and medium finish. Truly like a baby Amarone. — 5 years ago