After Rafanelli, we drove to Ridge. The previous time we visited Ridge the tasting room was in an aluminum shed, but the wines were wonderful and we bought a case. This time, Ridge proved to be one of the two biggest disappointments (based on expectations) on our trip. The tasting room is now housed in a larger, far more modern and attractive edifice. The woman who provided our tastings was not well-versed in wine or Ridge and some of the wines we would most like to have tasted were unavailable for tasting. We bought nothing. The wines:

2000 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains $30 Not overoaked. Fresh. 89

1994 Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains $40 Light cedar nose. Light. 86

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains $30 Light blackberry nose. Light. 86

2001 Buchignani Carignane $22 Wet cement nose. Uncomplicated. 86

2000 Mazzoni Home Ranch $24 47% Zinfandel, 47% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah Complex. Balanced. 89

2001 Zinfandel Dusi Ranch $25 Woody nose. Powerful without being overpowering. 91

1999 Nervo Late Picked Zinfandel $28 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah Nose of cedar and cherries. Rich. 92

General impressions: Ridge has been one of my favorite wineries for years. The wines available for tasting were good, but only the last two were worthy of purchase. The tasting selection was poor.

Just one more sip.

tlily and I stopped by Ridge's tasting room in July. I concur with your comments, Board-O.

Of the wines you tasted, we also had the chard, the '98 cab, and the Nervo. The chard was nice and crisp, but overpriced. The '98 cab was actually Ridge's second release of this wine. They kept some of the wine in barrels when they noticed its excessive harshness as they were first bottling it. Unfortunately, it's still harsh IMO. Liked the Nervo and bought a bottle of that one. Also purchased a bottle of Jimsomare zin.

Loved the drive up the mountain and the view, though. Great way to see the Santa Cruz appellation laid out in front of you.

Cheers,

Otis

We were at the tasting room in Sonoma. I've never been to the Santa Cruz facility.

Just one more sip.

I was in the Sonoma one two weeks ago. I like their wines, I'm in their ATP. The wines we tasted were either harsh, spoiled, or too young. Couldn't believe it!

The spoiled one I asked if they had tasted after opening. They did when I mentioned it and got another bottle out.

All in all a poor experience.

The building however is unique in that it is very cool inside which is accomplished passively.

I wish my place was like that.

I've never tasted at the Sonoma facility but the Santa Cruz mountain facility has always been a good experience for me. The woman on staff (I should know her name by now) has been there for years and the setting is spectacular. There always seems to be a library or ATP wine or two to sample as well. Go there if you get the chance.

I've heard the same comments about the Sonoma facility, including hearing them in the Monte Bello tasting room.

The staff at Monte Bello is dedicated for sure. They have to be to treck up that road every weekend. My experience is that if you show any interest or knowledge at all at Monte Bello (especially asking about the Jimsomare), an ATP or vintage wine will be pulled out from under the counter for you.

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tlily and 'Dean pyang Martin' Tour America.

My expectations were not as high as Board-O's, and so, I wasn't as disappointed. Still, we rated the wines independently and here are my scores:

2000 Chard Santa Cruz Mtns.----- 89 points
1994 MerlotSanta Cruz Mtns.----- 86 points
1998 Cab Santa Cruz Mtns.------- 87 points
2001 Carignane Buchignani------- 88 points
2000 Mazzoni Ranch------------- 90 points
2001 Dusi Zin ------------------ 90/91 points
1999 Nervo------------------------92 points

those were some consistent and independent scores.

We compared scores only after we had written them down. latour, allow me to congratulate you on your great tasting abilities.

Just one more sip.

I'll take that as a compliment for us! But, it sure does take a lot of practice

tlily,
What do they tipically pour at the SC tasting room? Ever had Monte Bello?

SPS,

Generally they don't let you tast the MB at the winery. However, they often have a 1/2 bottle or full bottle of something special under the counter. If you schmooze with them, you can taste some gems.

I had the '96 monte bello from a 1/2 bottle one of the last few times I was up there tasting. Also some late harvest zins---probably off the ATP list.

-J

[This message was edited by jtrivasi on Sep 26, 2003 at 11:38 AM.]

SPS,

I have notes from a June trip here and a July trip here. We haven't been up since then although we've stopped at Pichetti and Copper Garrod more recently. They typically pour one white SCM, and 4 red's starting with a a lighter one and usually ending with a Jimsomare or late picked Zin. And it is true, if you smooze a bit, something come sout from under the counter. Actually for us, as soon as we talk about how much we like th Jimsomare, the special bottle comes out. I've never had the Monte Bello poured except at Monte Bello events.

I comment on various vintages though from time to time : the 1999, and 2000-2002 with mentions of 84,85,89,93, and 96. You can probably search on my login and Monte Bello and find notes on 74,89,94,95,97 that I've had this year.

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tlily and 'Dean pyang Martin' Tour America.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:

2001 Zinfandel Dusi Ranch $25 Woody nose. Powerful without being overpowering. 91

I tasted this, not next to other Ridge wines, but in an all-Paso lineup; it acquitted itself well. Dense & ripe but well-balanced and refreshing berry-based Zin. Just shy of outstanding, about 89 pts.

VS, I'm betting this wine has changed a lot in two years.