Jay Kline

8.9

Splash decanted prior to service and presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core, moving towards a light orange garnet rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly dried red and black fruits: plum, blackberry, raspberry, dried flowers, leather, cocoa, earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend or a Merlot-based blend from the United States or France. Due to the appearance and secondary characteristics, I think this has 15+ years of age. And, because this was leaning heavily towards its fruit, rather than its structure, I’m calling this being from the United States. Final conclusion, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Napa, valley floor, from a warm vintage like 2009. Dammit, I should have clued into the softer tannins from Alexander Valley. Scoring significant points though. Drink now through 2029. — 4 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is my favorite Zinfindel blend from Ridge. I like it/them more with 8-10 years of bottle age. But this 2023 drank very well young. One of the best current releases I’ve had in a while. Fresh as it was very recently bottled! 93+ in time.

Sirloin Steak was tip top.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025.

The ticket to this event has a pretty big price tag. But when you consider what a Napa etc. tasting or two and lunch would cost you, you are pretty much there and there is so much more than that. It ends up having great value. It’s wine, spirits and food candy land. — a year ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.3

Tonight we have opened the 2017 Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Knox Alexander Pinot Noir.

On the nose there is strawberry, cranberry, cherry, spice, mushroom, cola, lavender, forest floor and earth.

On the palate there is strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, cherry, spice, red currant, smokey oak, forest floor and earth.

This is a medium bodied wine with a plush mouthfeel medium + acidity and medium fine polished tannins that lead to a long red fruit earthy finish. I hope everyone is doing well and have great plans for this weekend. Have a wonderful time with family and friends, please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 4 years ago

Turd Ferguson

8.9

Rich. Honey. After dinner drink. I ain’t mad. — 4 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Clear, deep ruby in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced primary and secondary aromas of cassis, cedar, and graphite on the nose; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of blackberries, black cherries, eucalyptus, and wet gravel with a medium finish. This wine is intense and complex, but a little too tannic and bitter for the amount of fruit (it probably needs more age, or more time in the decanter). After 30 minutes in a decanter, this wine is much more balanced and well integrated. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — 7 months ago

Kyle Katterjohn

10

Jess and I many many bottles. Very Nice. + Beautiful — 3 years ago

Norma Normington

9.0

Light, slightly fruity bouquet, a little tart and buttery on the palate. Great price at Costco and thought I would give it a try. I’d buy it again. — 4 years ago

Bardia Khoshnoodi

9.0

Day 1: No decanting, on the nose this is tangy and fruity but tart. On the pallet, fruity light but dry. Has brightness to it as well. Overall I enjoyed this wine but not my favorite. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

I was given the responsibility of opening and serving this bottle to the guests of a 40th birthday celebration. From double-magnum. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2005 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly desiccated fruit: cassis, blackberry, black plum, tobacco, leather, Pablano pepper, vanilla, earth, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This wine, from this format is in a really lovely spot. Drink now through 2035. — a year ago

Andy Stabile

8.9

Seems like I like this better than everyone else.
Balanced tart fruit and crisp tannins.

A touch of persimmon / cardamom sophistication.

A bit subtle for a cab.

Just a touch sweet for me. Maybe a touch oaky… but that’s being pretty picky. — 3 years ago