Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2023 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and dried mixed brambles, Luxardo cherries, red and purple flowers, black pepper, vanilla and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is one of the more approachable young Geyserville’s I’ve had in a long time and remains on of my favorite Zinfandel-based blends from Ridge. Drink now through 2048. — 23 days ago

A little more sour than I thought but really liked it. Curtis liked it too. — 6 days ago
Crisp, balanced with tropical fruits. You can not miss it's Cloudy Bay. — 17 days ago
V good bottle — 11 days ago
A superb Zinfandel blend that tastes great now and possesses the requisite structure to age. Ridge sets the standard in American winemaking. Their corpus of high quality wines is unmatched in America and challenges the entire industry worldwide. — 3 days ago
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV – Champagne AOC, France 🇫🇷
Overview
One of Champagne’s enduring benchmarks, Special Cuvée combines approximately 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier, with a significant portion of reserve wines contributing depth and consistency. Rich, layered, and unmistakably Bollinger, it delivers remarkable complexity at a price point that remains accessible compared to many prestige bottlings.
Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, ripe pear, citrus zest, baked brioche, roasted nuts, and subtle spice unfold in layers. Notes of fresh bread dough and orchard fruit intertwine with hints of honey and toast.
Mouthfeel
Vibrant and energetic with a creamy mousse and impressive depth. A delicate kiss of yeast adds texture and contrast, while the wine’s concentration and freshness remain beautifully balanced through the finish.
Food Pairings
Lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken, truffle dishes, aged Comté, oysters, or simply enjoyed as a celebratory aperitif.
Verdict
A richly textured and multi-layered Champagne that continues to justify its reputation as one of the region’s benchmarks. Complex, expressive, and consistently rewarding, it offers a level of sophistication that punches well above its category.
Did You Know?
Unlike many large Champagne houses, Bollinger ferments a portion of its wines in old oak barrels and maintains an extensive reserve wine program, helping create the signature richness and depth that define Special Cuvée.
🍷 Personal Pick
Few non-vintage Champagnes deliver this combination of richness, complexity, and value. The layered fruit, subtle autolytic character, and vibrant texture make Special Cuvée one of my favorite benchmark Champagnes and a bottle I never hesitate to revisit. — a month ago
This is a pleasant stunner of citrus zest and tart apple. Whoa! Note to self: 12 is not sufficient supply. — 6 days ago
The nose bursts with ripe yellow peach, mandarin, and dried pineapple, layered with brioche and a hint of white flowers. The palate is plush yet electric, with creamy texture quickly cut by vibrant lemon zest and a light salinity. The finish is precise and long. — 25 days ago
Ridge Three Valleys 2023
Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A classic Sonoma field blend composed of 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Crafted in Ridge’s signature transparent style, this vintage leans toward a riper and more fruit-driven expression than many of the winery’s other bottlings.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry preserves, ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry compote dominate, supported by touches of black pepper and baking spice.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a broad, generous texture. The fruit lingers across the palate with a warm, persistent finish.
Food Pairings
A natural companion for barbecue, smoked meats, burgers, and hearty pizza.
Verdict
While impeccably made, this is one of the few Ridge wines that didn’t quite resonate with my palate. It leans a bit too jammy and overripe for my preference, though lovers of rich, fruit-forward California reds will likely find plenty to enjoy.
Did You Know?
Ridge has long been one of California’s pioneers of ingredient transparency, listing the exact grape composition directly on the label.
🍷 Personal Pick
I truly love Ridge wines, but I’d still reach for Lytton Springs or Geyserville before this bottling. If bold, juicy Zinfandel blends are your style, however, this one could easily become a favorite. — a month ago
Brentwood — 9 days ago
Drinking great. Never over the top type Zin. But complex and very enjoyable — a month ago
The 2008 Dom P2 is an exclamation point to the excellent, original 2008 DP release. This is a new level of P2 that is head/shoulders beyond 2000, 2002, 2004, and even 2006. Every taste is better than the last, with citrus and green apple crispiness and oyster shells in the mix. Happy to have scored a 6 pack of this. — 16 days ago
Virtually impossible to tell this wine is 10 years old! Still so vibrant with acidity and has a decent amount of fruit left. The pear and lemon are softer, the oak and slate are a little more prevalent. Developing a touch more brioche but if I tasted it blind I don’t think I’d identify it as 10 years old at all. — 13 days ago
Beautifully fresh and intense with lemon, limestone and light floral notes. A powerful palate of bright citrus and an oily persistence in the mid palate with thrilling acidity and tension. Long and vital — 25 days ago
Mgn. Great wine, palette finisher. — 11 hours ago
Magnum en maximo mex vs ecua — 10 days ago
Ron Kyle
Another great vintage.
— 7 days ago