1999 Ridge Geyserville (Zinfandel)

The 1999 Geyserville is 68% Zinfandel and the rest equal part Carignan and Petite Sirah. This was another vintage were yields were down considerably, yet the wines are classic and incredibly age-worthy. This still ruby/plum-colored effort sports fully mature notes of red and black fruits, cigar wrapper, and spice, and it’s slightly more voluptuous and evolved than the Lytton Springs. Both are fully mature, with no upside, yet these wines have an incredible ability to hold nicely at this point for longer than I ever give them credit for.

Healthy dark red with a touch of amber. Initially less expressive on the nose than the Lytton Springs '99, but its aromas of dark fruits, mocha and menthol opened quickly with air. Densely packed but less silky than the Lytton Springs, even a bit spicy, with its brambly dark fruit flavors framed by pronounced acidity but still coming across as a bit more advanced than the Lytton Springs. The firm tannins are mostly resolved, but with a bit less buffering extract the finish is a tad dry. 14.8% alcohol.

More fruit forward and sexy than the Lytton Springs, the 1999 Geyserville Proprietary Red Wine sports a youthful ruby color to go with complex notes of sweet plums, licorice, cinnamon and exotic spices. Made from 68% Zinfandel, 16% Carignan, and 16% Petite Sirah that checks in at just under 15% alcohol, it's aging brilliantly and has full-bodied richness, a full, layered mid-palate and a great finish. It's fully mature, but will evolve gracefully going forward.