Jay Kline

9.5

Rounding out the flight of legendary Barolo estates, Francesco Rinaldi certainly takes its rightful place in the pantheon of Piemonte’s history. By 1970, the estate had been under the leadership of Luciano Rinaldi for nearly three decades. I can’t verify but I believe Luciano was sourcing fruit from Cannubi, Sarmassa and Vignane in Barolo; Codana in Castiglione Falletto; and Rocche dell'Annunziata and Boiolo in La Morra.

This particular bottle was poured into a decanter and allowed to breath for five hours. It was subsequently returned to its bottle a couple hours prior to service and enjoyed alongside the ‘41 Conterno and the ‘61 Cappellano. The 1970 Classico pours a ruddy garnet color with a translucent core and a slightly orange rim; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried Morello cherry, shiso, alpine herbs, cola nut, dried roses, truffle, and dried gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. Stunning stuff. As expected, this bottle came across noticeably more youthful than the two elder statesmen poured alongside. An outstanding pairing with the agnolotti del plin. If this bottle is representative, there is still quite a bit of life left in this. Drink now with patience and through 2040+. — 12 days ago

Daniel Anderson

9.4

Delicious, full and smooth. Maybe a bit young but my kind of cab. Full and lacking any annoying intensity abrasive tannins. Would never d&d on this one — 13 days ago

joy horn

9.9

Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 23 days ago

Graham

9.2

Started a bit closed but then opened up and revealed nice dark fruit and some forest floor. Definitely can wait longer. With Mikey G on NYE — 7 days ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Last had 4 years ago and was excited to check in - this didn’t disappoint. That perfect ridge mix of old world sensibility and composition with new world fruit and character. 13.8%. Finish is long with nice acid. Great pairing with steaks. Nice wine.

Happy New Year! — 6 days ago

Conrad Green

9.5

Pretty and floral. Raspberry and a delicate precision. Drinking really well now. Oak perfectly integrated. — 3 days ago

with Paul and Ara

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Bright ruby color with garnet highlights. Aromas of ripe red and black fruit, Asian spices, wet soil, garrigue and wood ash. Flavors of cranberry, red cherries, red plums, tobacco, Earl Grey tea, dark chocolate, grilled herbs and baking spices. Long and lingering finish. Dusty tannins, firm structure and bright acidity. Lovely concentration and mouth coating texture. Bring on the grilled meat. Great choice, Keith S! — 25 days ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.1

Very cherry driven almost over the top. Raspberry and a touch of crushed marble. Definitely a wine which will please. But it lacks the earthiness of the 2016. Super juicy. Low %. Overall this is a nice example of a CA Pinot - which just wants to please unfortunately to much ….and perhaps trying to be a burgh in the process - but this vintage ain’t it. — 4 days ago

Ericsson

9.7

Yes—exactly that kind of wine: timeless, composed, and quietly authoritative.

It smells so good on first pour. Damp pine forest floor and clean mountain air register immediately. Everything else unravels from there; but that initial pop-and-pour sniff is pure magic.

On the palate, blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and dried herbs unfold with control, carried by freshness and finely etched tannins in a medium body.

So classic, so intellectual, and deeply mesmerizing. Drink now or age. — 11 days ago

Graham

9.3

Love Alpine Pinot. Think this needs more time to be stellar, but still great now. — 14 days ago