1994 Blend from Monte Bello Vineyard Vineyard in Santa Cruz Mountains

Price: $135.00    Review Date: 2009-11-21

VineSugar Review:

At first, there's still signs of elegant fruit components but this iconic blend falls apart in the middle. Aromas waft of cedar, sweet leather, pencil shavings and anise with subtle hint of black cherries. Smells very "old world" and reminiscent of walking through a dimly lit wine cellar with quietly aging barrels. An easy, delicate entry with plenty of sweet oak and forest floor qualities. Very light and delicate flavors that fade quickly into a surprisingly long, leather, tobacco and oak spice finish. There's still good tannin structure here but the fruit has faded into subtle nuances of dried cherries. I can appreciate the aromas and finish but there's not enough in between to make me like this wine. Considering its age, it's maintaining itself proudly but a few years ago, this wine was probably drinking much better overall.

Winemaker Notes

The '94 vintage followed the pattern of the last three years: spring rains and a late start to the growing season. Though the set was not heavy, we thinned rigorously to help ensure full maturity by harvest. Again, cool nights held acids high as the grapes ripened. We harvested from October 18 to 28 late, but fairly typical of our cool region. A light egg white fining and seventeen months in new, air-dried oak have softened the tannins beautifully. The merlot has enhanced fullness, the Petit Verdot, structure and spice. Both together, with the Franc, add complexity. Though approachable as a young wine, this lovely vintage will be at its best with five to fifteen years of bottle age.

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Wine Profile

Winery
Ridge Vineyards
Vintage
1994
Varietal
Blend
Composition
73% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 9% petit verdot, 3% cabernet franc
Vineyard
Monte Bello Vineyard
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains