by Patchen Markell » Wed Mar 01, 2017 12:56 pm
Ridge Vineyards 2002 Sonoma County "Gesyerville." This blend is 84% Zinfandel, 12% Carignane, and 4% Petite Sirah, and 14.6% abv. A beautiful showing: anise and lavender-blossom on the nose, velvelty blackberry fruit with a hint of funk beneath it, and a long, tapered finish with only a whisper of wood. Feels substantial in the mouth but there isn't a trace of alcoholic heat. I think we caught this bottle at an excellent moment: the elements are still distinct, but also smoothly joined and working in harmony.
cheers, Patchen
