Community Tasting Note

DoubleD1969 wrote:

Monday, March 4, 2024 - Drank next to the 1997 Ridge Monte Bello. Both bottles were double decanted in the afternoon then brought to the Hawksmoor NYC.

Ornellaia: 65% Cab, 30% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc.
The nose was a bit more expressive while decanting. Notes of raspberries, dried herbs, and wet earth. At the restaurant, a bit of barnyard crept in. Color had a maroon core that gradually lightened towards the edges. Looking at it next to the Ridge, it was obviously lighter in color. Wine was silky with tannins fully resolved. Dried red fruit, pomegranate seeds, oregano, and mushroom/earthy kind of taste. Still excellent.

Ridge MB: 85% Cab, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc.
Like the Ornie when decanting, the nose was full of eucalyptus, black licorice, and graphite which receded somewhat (may have been the restaurant) and let the crushed black cherry fruit to emerge. Color was mostly opaque. Much fuller-bodied than the Ornellaia with the dark cherry, blackberry, forest floor combo. Fantastic as always. A better match for the charcoal-grilled steaks.

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