I probably sat on this too long. Bought at the winery years ago. — 5 months ago
Dwindling stash! — 6 months ago
I love Ridge wine… I have not had a bottle that I didn’t like. I had a vertical tasting. This is one of them. Amazing. — 9 days ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2022 Contra Costa County pours, a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with bright notes of fresh and tart, brambles and plums with licorice, flowers, and hot tarmac. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, enhanced with a touch of black pepper. The finish is medium+; grippy and zippy. Yet another very lovely Mataro from Sandlands. Drink now to enjoy the freshness of youth and through 2037. Only 5 barrels produced. — 3 months ago
At the Henschke tasting weekend with Stephen and Pru. Amazing how good this was for its youth. You could happily drink this now although the winery says you could cellar this 15 plus years (from vintage). In chatting with Stephen I think this was what he was trying to achieve. Excellent vintage he said. Red and blue fruits - touches of anise and white pepper. 81% Shiraz, 11% Grenache, 6% Mataro and 2% Viognier (for aromatics). An affordable Henschke red at $40. — 6 months ago
Pale ruby in color; cherries, strawberries, and dried herbs on the nose; high acidity; low tannins; tastes like stewed strawberries, hibiscus, and eucalyptus with a long finish. Nellie and I like it. — 4 months ago
PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.
UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.
Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability. — 6 months ago
Bob McDonald
A bright ruby red. Black and blue fruits, Five spice and a tarry note. My last of 6 - and possibly the best. See my Delectable note in April 2022 for the first of 6. I am always in admiration of Andrew Caillard MW and his multiple talents when I look at this label which he painted. A beautiful expression of old vine Barossa Mataro (Mourvèdre). — a month ago