Ridge Geyserville (Sonoma County) 1999

A Zinfandel-based blend (68%) with 16% @ Carignane and Petite Sirah proves once again that Zinfandel may not be as long-lived as Cabernet Sauvignon, but nevertheless rewards medium-term cellaring. At age 5, this Geyserville was ready to drink but hardly finished. I'm confident it can go another 3-5 years without problems. It is so delicious now, however, that holding off on the last two bottles in the cellar will be very hard. Wild berries, chocolate, black pepper, and a touch of bramble. Yummy. Grade: A