Two Ridge Trail
Seavey Vineyard
Caravina Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Popped and poured from magnum; enjoyed over the course of two days. Best on Day 2 as the wine came into better balance. The 2015 “Caravina” pours a deep ruby with a nearly opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. One the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, brambles, tobacco, violets, herbs, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine with dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the acid plays a significant role, giving some real lift to the lush fruit. And while we’re on the topic, I’ll just share an observation that the acid is a significant characteristic for Seavey. In their youth, they are somewhat tough to fully appreciate (Ridge also has this reputation). I’m not suggesting Seavey is an analogue to Monte Bello, rather just stating they seem to be playing the long game…and I’m here for that. That being said, these are good now but will be more pleasurable in another couple years (at least in this format) and should be lovely through 2035. — 2 years ago
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Andrus Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
So, I have confessed to drinking only Ca Chardonnay in the past. In 2001-02, I had the 99 Pine Ridge Stag’s Leap District and it was the first red wine I gravitated. This 97 Andrus is their flagship wine & a better wine & vintage than the 99 Pine Ridge Stags Leap District that I had so long ago.
I decanted half the bottle and reserved the rest. The decanted was very good, but the reserve is better.
Excellent wine tonight that has sentimental meaning.
I bought 2 bottles on the secondary market for a $100 recently, that included fees & tax. It is like stealing candy from a baby at that price point. This was slightly better two-years ago, but excellent tonight w/ Ribcaps.
The palate is rich, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, dark cherries, sweet me raspberry tones, blue/purple fruit tones, dry, crushed limestone-rock, dry top-soil, some dry herbs, dry tobacco, leather, some black licorice to cola, melted chocolate, some grilled meats, steeped tea to black tea, dry stone, used barrel shavings, withering dark, red, purple flowers round acidity and a well balanced, tensioned, elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and lands on dry minerality. — a year ago
Darren Delmore
Deer Ridge Trail Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
2021 vintage. Light-medium/medium body. Subtle, yet enduring, nose. Beautiful length of finish. Understated the entire performance but easily held in thrall for the duration. Absolutely positively don’t need any Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot currently but if I did, woulda pounced. — 2 years ago
Shannon Ridge Vineyard
Reserve Two Bud Block Lake County Zinfandel 2017
Kelly and Craig are both fans — 4 years ago
Ridge Vineyards
Benito Dusi Ranch Paso Robles Zinfandel 2013
A year or two past its prime, but still shows the beauty of Ridge. Ripe blueberries, blackberries and spice with surprising balance for 14.8 ABV — 5 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
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. — 6 months ago