January 8, 2016

RIDGE Estate Merlot 2012

(Santa Cruz Mountains, CA) $50

California merlots like this have almost disappeared. For more than a decade, most have been hollow and anemic. This powerhouse is the opposite…a deeply complex merlot with a core that’s as soft as molten chocolate and yet a “frame” that’s as structured as a New York skyscraper. Add the explosive finish, and you’ve got one of the best merlots in California. The grapes come from Ridge’s famous Monte Bello vineyard, considered one of the most legendary vineyards in California.

95 points

Ashes & Diamonds

“Climate change is happening. The start date of each vintage moves forward by a week per decade. Burgundy won’t be making Pinot Noir in 20 years as it will be too hot; they’ll be making Shiraz and still Pinot production will move to Champagne and England. There is a very real possibility that if the effects of global warming get too severe, Barolos won’t be made from Nebbiolo since it’s such a sensitive variety and needs such specific conditions. Global warming is going to completely re-set the game. Bordeaux is going to have massive problems.”

— Chester Osborn, winemaker, d’Arenberg Winery (Australia) as quoted in The Drinks Business

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