One of the great 70's late harvest zinfandels. Sometimes referred to as the greatest California red wine ever made. Paul Draper, the winemaker reportedly considered this his favorite vintage. Cork was sound and easily removed with an ah-so. Moderately bricked deep ruby color. Didn't decant and it could have used it, slight cast from sediment. Strong fruit in the nose, no obvious oxidation. Wonderful mature varietal characters. Mouth-filling, smooth, lingering, rich and long in the finish. Fermented dry. Hard to believe, but this wine is at it's peak, and really a treat.
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Amazing 40 year old Zinfandel. Intense well integrated fruit, in good balance with velvety finish. This was a high alcohol wine (14.3) when it was produced but it has no late harvest characteristics. Enjoyed by everyone who tried it, even those who don't normally like anything of age. I kept re-tasting to find a flaw, it didn't happen. Another wine that underscores the quality work of Ridge Vineyards.
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12/27/2013 - Conover Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of the great 70's late harvest zinfandels. Sometimes referred to as the greatest California red wine ever made. Paul Draper, the winemaker reportedly considered this his favorite vintage.
Cork was sound and easily removed with an ah-so.
Moderately bricked deep ruby color. Didn't decant and it could have used it, slight cast from sediment.
Strong fruit in the nose, no obvious oxidation.
Wonderful mature varietal characters.
Mouth-filling, smooth, lingering, rich and long in the finish.
Fermented dry.
Hard to believe, but this wine is at it's peak, and really a treat.
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3/17/2013 - gbynum Likes this wine: 92 Points
Amazing 40 year old Zinfandel. Intense well integrated fruit, in good balance with velvety finish. This was a high alcohol wine (14.3) when it was produced but it has no late harvest characteristics. Enjoyed by everyone who tried it, even those who don't normally like anything of age. I kept re-tasting to find a flaw, it didn't happen. Another wine that underscores the quality work of Ridge Vineyards.
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