100 point Zin?

[Peter Creasey]

Well, not quite but the Ridge Lytton Springs Zin '14 measures up well.

Given all the favorable reviews, I couldn't resist pulling a bottle. Since I have a lot of it, I made the right decision; otherwise, give it time to surely become quite special. Someone said "purple potential perfection" and I can't really disagree. Full, balanced, generous fruits (blueberries, etc.), racy, sophisticated, no heat, and so on. Made for early drinking and for the long haul! If I had room in the cellar, I might even buy more.

. . . . . Pete

 

[Florida Jim]

As an aside:
Last night I tasted the 1997 and 2002 Ridge, Geyserville wines.
The '97 had some secondary development but the 2002 was still primary.
Both were nice.
Best, Jim

 

[Sharon Bowman]

Love those Ridge zin blends. Good memories of visiting the vineyards in 2012, as well.

 

[MLipton]

originally posted by Sharon Bowman:
Love those Ridge zin blends. Good memories of visiting the vineyards in 2012, as well.

I still have photos of myself with Paul Draper in the cellar from our last visit to Ridge. Jean, however, has much less pleasant memories as mountain roads do not agree with her inner ear, sad to say.

Mark Lipton

 

[Peter Creasey]

Old news...

Paul Draper, who as winemaker and chief executive has led Ridge Vineyards for more than 45 years as it became one of the world’s most celebrated wine producers, is retiring

Paul Draper Is Retiring

I buy the Ridge Lytton Springs, Geyserville, and Pagani Ranch every year when I can. Always a pleasure, both younger and older!

. . . . . Pete

 

[Chris Coad]

So many good memories of drinking Lytton Springs zin. Why have I not bought a bottle in many years?

No idea. Did it get really expensive or something? Or just vanish from local shelves?

 

[Florida Jim]

originally posted by Chris Coad:
So many good memories of drinking Lytton Springs zin. Why have I not bought a bottle in many years?

No idea. Did it get really expensive or something? Or just vanish from local shelves?

Pretty expensive, when I see it.
Best, Jim

 

[Peter Creasey]

I consider it to be well worth the ~$32 tariff.

. . . . . Pete

 

[MLipton]

AFAICT, the pricing has remained relatively constant for the better part of two decades. As someone who started buying Ridge zins with the '80 vintage ($4.75 IIRC) my recollection is that the prices hit $30 by the mid-'90s and have stayed there ever since. Meanwhile, other zins have crept upward in price so that, now, Geyserville and Lytton Springs seem more like bargains (not that I'm buying many other zins...)

Mark Lipton

 

[Sharon Bowman]

If we want to talk well-priced, well-made zins, we must talk about Mike Dashe.

Also, Nalle.

 

[Sharon Bowman]

originally posted by Peter Creasey:

I consider it to be well worth the ~$32 tariff.

. . . . . Pete

It's going for $40, these days.

 

[MLipton]

originally posted by Sharon Bowman:

originally posted by Peter Creasey:

I consider it to be well worth the ~$32 tariff.

. . . . . Pete

It's going for $40, these days.

With all due respect, winegrrrl, per wine-searcher there are a dozen places in your geographic neck o' teh woods selling the '14 Geezer for $31-34 per bottle.

Mark Lipton

 

[Bill Lundstrom]

originally posted by Sharon Bowman:
If we want to talk well-priced, well-made zins, we must talk about Mike Dashe.

Also, Nalle.

michael used to make wine at Ridge

 

[Jay Miller]

And let's not forget Scherrer OMV

 

[Peter Creasey]

That's another one I buy every year.

. . . . . Pete

 

[Sharon Bowman]

originally posted by Bill Lundstrom:

originally posted by Sharon Bowman:
If we want to talk well-priced, well-made zins, we must talk about Mike Dashe.

Also, Nalle.

michael used to make wine at Ridge

Yes, indeedy!