2012 Ridge Vineyards, Mataro, Lytton Estate, Dry Creek Valley.
Finally back in the lineup is the fabulous Ridge Mataro (Mourvedre) from their Lytton Springs estate vines, this wonderful and plush red has lots of deep red and black fruits, spice and plenty of grippy ripe tannins, it is a lovely mouthful of wine and great with BBQ and a wide range of meat or mushroom dishes. Think of this as a California Bandol, a big and sexy red that has nice balance and lots of character, with 15% Petite Sirah adding a deep color, bitter coco notes and a hint of dry Port. As much as I adore the Lytton Springs Zin blend, I think this 2012 Mataro is fast becoming one of my favorites, especially in this vintage which shows good depth and sweet fruit, but stays in control with perfect integration of alcohol, at about 14%, oak and fruit, it just does everything you’d want and well, it certainly will age nicely, though you will really enjoy it even now, as I did recently, after sampling it at Ridge’s Lytton Springs tasting room, where I bought a few bottles, of which I now have exhausted! The 2012 Mataro starts with dark berries, dried violets, savory herbs and red pepper leading to a full bodied palate of black cherry, poached plum, blackberry, blueberry and mountain raspberry fruits with briar notes, anise, creme de cassis, cracked peppercorns, chalky tannins, a hint of game, lavender oil, sage, cedar, a touch of smoke and vanilla, finishes with dusty dark chocolate, savory spice and stones along with lingering red currant. There is a great play of dense fruit, that feels rich and sweet, but also a backbone of firm dry elements, as mentioned, a supporting savoriness that keeps this in check and interesting, this wine is simply seductive and slightly wild at heart, drink between 2015 and 2024, I hope I find a few more bottles myself! Ridge continues to make stylish and intriguing California wines with soul, these are wonderful celebrations in the bottle, great people and great wines, it is always a must visit stop when in Dry Creek.
($35 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
