Tasted last week:
1. Ridge Zin Jimsomare/MonteBelloRidge/SCM (100% Zin; 15.2%; 15 brls; bttld April 2016; 16 mo. in Am.oak; Drk: 2/16-2/23-2/24: EB) 2014: Very dark color w/ no bricking; strong blackberry/ripe Zin/raspberry/very spicy/peppery some dusty/OV some pencilly/Am.oak slight pungent/licorice/smokey fairly complex nose; fairly tart/tangy intense blackberry/ripe Zin/raspberry/very spicy/black pepper quite dusty/OV some pencilly/smokey/vanilla/Am.oak bit pungent/licorice/earthy fairly complex flavor w/ ample ripe tannins; very long/lingering somewhat tart intense blackberry/raspberry/ripe Zin very spicy some dusty/OV some Am.oak finish w/ modest ripe tannins; carries the alcohol will and not at all overripe; loads of bright/very spicy/ripe Zin character; a beautiful Ridge Zin that's developing well.
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Jimsomare is, of course, the old vnyd down at the foot of the MonteBello AVA. It consistently produces one of my favorite Ridge Zins, of the quality of the LS/Geyserville/Pagani Zins. It typically shows more bright fruit than the other three.
Tom