Not sure if this belongs in tasting notes or industry wine events. Here are some notes from yesterday's Ridge futures tasting.
Merlot 13.5%
The first component poured was the Merlot. It had an almost smoky nose.
On the palate there was bright acidity with some sort of red fruits -
raspberry, possibly cranberry. Good structure. Cabernet Franc 12.5%
A huge contrast to the previous sample, the nose was faint and dusty.
On the palate there was a wall of tannin; none of the characteristic
tobacco, graphite or any fruit to speak of, just a hint of violets. Petit Verdit 12.9%
This was just beautiful. Lovely floral nose, massive fruit on the
palate, fine tannins. I could have drunk the whole bottle. It's such a
pity that Petit Verdot is rarely bottled in its own right. Cabernet Sauvignon 13.1%
Although it's only been in oak for a few months the oak was showing
much more here than on the others. Great fruit, plenty of structure,
big chewy tannins on the finish. 2007 Monte Bello First Assemblage 13.1%
72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot
As expected, the whole is very much the sum of the parts. It had a very
pretty nose; on the palate it was very elegant, with blackcurrant and a
strong minerality - slate or graphite. Good acidity, bags of tannin and
a good finish.
I'll have a longer write-up with pictures at http://scmwine.blogspot.com/ |