Sourced from the same vineyards as Ridge's famed Monte Bello wine, the 2001 Home Ranch was a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. (I have this vision of Paul Draper sitting there saying, "I dunno. I think maybe it needs a smidge of Petit Verdot. ... But just a smidge.")
Had thrown enough sediment to need decanting. I let it breathe for about 45 minutes before dinner.
Good ruby color all the way to the rim. Big bouquet of cassis, blueberries, black cherry, mocha java, and earth. The palate's flavor associations followed the nose. Tannins are still noticeable, but well integrated. Very drinkable now, but may continue to improve for a few years. Sadly, however, this was my last bottle,
Grade: A--
