2013 Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville, Proprietary Red, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County.
The latest Geyserville is a lush, full-bodied effort with loads of fruit and rich textures, it is mostly Zinfandel along with Carignane, Petite Sirah and a tiny bit of Mataro (Mourvedre) from old vine plots in Dry Creek Valley. While the 2012 had a bit more raw tannin and a bit less alcohol the 2013 is a touch smoother overall at this stage and gives a lot of pleasure, it feels plusher and rounder in general and at 14.7% it has a more ripe profile, all this really means is that it should easier to enjoy young, it is only a hairs different from the glorious 2012, and most people will in all likely hood like it better, I bet I’ll like it just as much in another year or so in bottle, it is really close to matching the 2012 and I like it better than 2009, 2010 and 2011. As plain as I can put it, it will make lots of friends and Ridge fans will be more than thrilled, this eager young Zinfandel shows vibrant raspberry, briar, spice and sweet cedary wood notes. The nose has a mix of floral, pepper, cassis and mocha, it has a deep hue with purple edged garnet in the glass and the lush fruit layers fill the mouth with layers of blackberry, raspberry, bramble, coco powder, sweet and savory elements, vanilla and candied cherry. This 2013 Geyserville has sweet tannins, they will firm up some in the coming year and while lavish in style it shows good vigor, focus and refinement, everything you’ve come to expect from Ridge, this is very good and will drink great for the next 5 to 7 years, best from 2016 to 2021.
($36 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
