'06 Chardonnay "Santa Cruz Mountains"
Nose - very rich, full, lemon, kiwi, cardamon, with a hint of vanilla.
Very spicy, nutmeg, lemon, persimmon. Very complex. Excellent. Should improve over the next two years. 93 pts
'08 Merlot - Bowl Vines
Nose - mellow, complex, soft, black elderberry, with a touch of creme de menthe.
Firm, tart, black plum, resin, grapefruit and spice. Somewhat harsh. High acid.
'08 Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon 50/50 - Upper North Gate Vyd.
Nose - bright, light, ethereal, black currant, sandalwood.
Cedary, dusty/gritty tannins, tight, showing black berry, plum, excellent vanilla spice, nice char/smoke.
'08 Cabernet Sauvignon - South Twin Peak Parcel
Nose - super-ripe black plum (as in black and soft), fermenting plum wine.
Very plummy, pure. Touches of blueberry and pineapple guava, reminding me of San Martin fruit. Very nice.
'08 Petite Verdot - Olivos and Levassuer Parcels, co-fermented
Nose - smoked ham, tobacco.
Follows through on the palate, plus some black fruit and chalky tannin. Grippy finish.
First Assemblage 81% Cabernet Sauvignon/19% Merlot
Nose - black and red plum, cardamon, a touch of creme de menthe.
Saturated plummy fruit well framed by dusty tannin, some orange, hint of zest. Nice spice.
Seemed a bit simple, but considering what has yet to be added, it should turn out quite good.
'06 Monte Bello - 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10 Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Nose - heady, rich, cedary tobacco, nice plum, vanillin oak.
Lots of tobacco, cassis, cedar, plum. Classic aged CA Cab Character. Ready now and for the next decade. (This from someone who prefers most MBs at 20-30 years.) 93 pts
Some pics: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2038663270102270864GeLTRS
Dave Tong's notes: http://scmwine.blogspot.com/2009/03/2008-ridge-monte-bello-varietal.html
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