Ridge Geyserville, 1991

Ridge Geyserville is probably my favorite California wine, and, even though it is mainly Zinfandel, I know that, in most vintages, it ages beautifully over two decades or longer. This 1991 is 50% Zin with 30% Carignane and 20% Mourvedre from old vines in the Dry Creek Valley.

The color is still deep and dark, almost inky. I can smell the American oak on the nose, but it has blended nicely into scents of blackberries, cassis and hints of violets. This has the depth and concentration that I expect from a Geyserville. Tasted alongside the Chante Perdrix Chateauneuf du Pape, this wine is clearly bigger, rougher, more tannic and more alcoholic. Impresses with power rather than finesse but very good.