California

[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, …

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. …

My Sine Qua Non virginity lost at the BYOB Bordeaux dinner, with this Syrah, and a Grenache blend. Apparently these are getting $300 a …

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 …

Until the 2014 exam (after this tasting), the Bien Nacido Syrah was the exam wine, after which, the straight 2011, ironically, was added. This …

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 …

As elegant as its packaging. Napa, yes, but in harmony and refined. Retasted in October, it was the same. Deep ruby, with a narrow, …

By contrast, although this was clearly Californian, its Sonoma restraint was evident, compared with the Shafer. Vanilla ice cream – very oaky. Caramel and …

This is, simply put, classic Napa Chardonnay – everything turned up to 11. Deep, deep gold. Powerfully buttery, new oak aromatics. Vanilla and very …