1993 Geyserville Zinfandel
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Tasting notes
Medium red with an amber-green edge. Deeper, more truffley nose seems more mature than that of the '93 Lytton Springs. Offers a softer mouthfeel but also terrific intensity and depth to its flavors of red plum, coffee, mocha and spices. In a distinctly sweeter style and yet the very long finish displays outstanding thrust. By now, the wine's substantial tannins are fully resolved but they should easily support the fruit for another decade or more. This very complete wine was one of the standouts of the tasting. (Draper described 1993 as "an excellent cooler vintage with heat at the harvest – somewhat similar to 1993 but we didn't immediately think in terms of 30 years of ageability.") 14.5% alcohol.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark red color. Gorgeous nose of both red and black fruits with some forest floor and earth notes. Picked up some raspberry and black pepper with air. Medium bodied with a great silky smooth mouth feel and a nice long finish. Great wine.
Note to Readers: This wine was included in issue 103 in a section titled "Time and Chance Reveal All Secrets" in which Robert Parker described the characteristics of top American Zinfandels (robust, exuberant, supple, velvety-textured generosity displayed in an ostentatious manner) and emphasized the fact that they are meant to be drunk within 6-7 years of the vintage. The wines were tasted blind in December, 1995.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.