WS: 94
Offers inviting aromas and flavors of gently warm plum puree and cassis before a solid spine of mesquite, iron and savory starts to emerge. As that clamps down on the finish (for now), sanguine and cedar accents fill in liberally. Shows the textbook chiseled, angular feel of a young mountain Cab; this just needs cellar time. Best from 2028 through 2040. 1,000 cases made.
WA: 94
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with a dark-fruited, slightly dusty and herbal bouquet framed by American oak notes that are already remarkably integrated. The mouthfeel is suave and tense, balancing tensile energy with ample textural breadth. The finish succinctly captures the vintage's characteristics, giving equal weight to vibrant energy, tenacious yet refined tannins and Ridge's classically structured style. This is an exceptional bottling, and while it is somewhat approachable now, a bit more time in the bottle to further integrate its élevage would be beneficial.
VM: 94
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a classically built Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet. Bright, fresh and lifted, it unfurls with layers of bay laurel, sage, tart blueberry and iodine, all presented in a vibrant, juicy, balanced framework that is at once both totally unfussy and completely confident. Well integrated and approachable today, the 2023 is a very fine expression of the Estate Cab.
