WTN: Estate of the Union

[David M. Bueker]

2011 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains (7/4/2022)
4th of July weekend, so time for homemade burgers and American Cabernet. Cab and cow! Tasted over two nights, this is still youthful, though it is integrating it’s rather heavy handed oak treatment. Spicy, with a dash of coconut, the fruit became stronger the longer it was open. By night two the fruit became the star performer, bright and elegant, supported by the oak and structure. Seems like a good sign for further aging. Good thing, as I have three more bottles.

While I love the MB, I think the estate doesn't get enough credit.

[David M. Bueker]

While I generally agree, Eric Baugher had become controversial due to his increasing use of new barrels on the Estate. Of course he was also dealing with riper and riper vintages. This 2011 saw some new oak, but at a lower % because it was a slower, cooler year. Somehow that cool year % became "gospel" for a few folks.

Folks started dropping Ridge memberships because they use "new, American oak" as if it was something that hadn't been done all along. I think that started the ball rolling that led to Eric's departure. When I talked to him in May 2019 it was certainly clear that he was chafing at the criticisms.