California
917. Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains, 1989
[Eric Baugher signature. March 10, 2015]. The highlight of a Ridge dinner at Planet of the Grapes, with Eric Baugher, who leads day-to-day winemaking, …
910. Seghesio, Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma County, 2011
That this didn’t show its weighty 16% ABV says much for its quality; the liqueur fruit should perhaps have given it away. Mid-deep ruby. …
902. Sine Qua Non, Dark Blossom Syrah Central Coast, 2011
My Sine Qua Non virginity lost at the BYOB Bordeaux dinner, with this Syrah, and a Grenache blend. Apparently these are getting $300 a …
821. Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville Sonoma County, 2011
Another class Ridge Zin. Mid ruby-purple, with a medium rim. Sweet, fruits-of-the-forest bery fruit. Black pepper spice. Oak / wood spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and …
820. Qupé, Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah Santa Maria Valley, 2010
Until the 2014 exam (after this tasting), the Bien Nacido Syrah was the exam wine, after which, the straight 2011, ironically, was added. This …
818. Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains, 2009
Another highlight of a great Cabernet line-up. Refined, albeit still a classic California Cabernet, with American oak influence. Less elegant than Quintessa, but very …
817. Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, 2011
As elegant as its packaging. Napa, yes, but in harmony and refined. Retasted in October, it was the same. Deep ruby, with a narrow, …
774. Duckhorn, Migration Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2010
By contrast, although this was clearly Californian, its Sonoma restraint was evident, compared with the Shafer. Vanilla ice cream – very oaky. Caramel and …
773. Shafer, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros, 2011
This is, simply put, classic Napa Chardonnay – everything turned up to 11. Deep, deep gold. Powerfully buttery, new oak aromatics. Vanilla and very …