1998 Ridge Vineyards "Geyserville" Sonoma County Zinfandel

“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. (ST) 91+” (05/2000)

“A classic effort, the 1998 Geyserville (74% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, and 1% Mataro) 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. (RP)” (06/2000)

“This is the 33rd vintage of this landmark Zinfandel, which, since it’s a blend that includes just 74% Zinfandel in it, isn’t technically Zinfandel at all. Whatever. It’s just plain delicious, old-vine, succulent juice. Jammy, juicy, vibrant and tight, it has a long life ahead. (PG)” (03/2001)