1998 Ridge Geyserville (Zinfandel)
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Tasting notes
A classic effort, the 1998 Geyserville (74% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, and 1% Matero) possesses Bordeaux-like complexity and elegance. The alcohol is listed as 14.1%. The wine was reticent on the day I tasted it, but as it sat in the glass, sweet aromas of minerals, smoky wood, red/black currants, and dried herbs emerged. This classy, elegant, restrained, yet authoritatively rich Zinfandel should be consumed over the next 5-6 years. Tel. (408) 867-3233
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright red-ruby. Roasted aromas of blackberry, bitter chocolate and roast coffee; distinct hints of torrefaction. Dense and sappy in the mouth, with very intense dark berry and pepper flavors. Quite powerfully structured to age, but not overly muscular. Dusty, fine tannins coat the palate. Draper "opened" the vines, dropping crop several times during the season, thereby avoiding rot after the rain in August.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.