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'97 Ridge Montebello

I opened my first bottle from a case of Ridge Montebello that I bought on release (actually 2- six packs in owc) last night. Much as I expected they are nowhere near ready to drink. The color was opaque purple with no signs of age. The nose was tight and minerally with a bit of cassis. It was quite tight on the palate showing deep grapey flavors, a rocky minerality and stiff almost unpleasant tannins. WHile it had thrown off a bit of sediment I was surprised at how little compared to other '97's from California. I will wait at least another five years before openeing another bottle. Can't really grade it since I have no idea where it's at or where it's going but I hope it's not another '85 Dunn Howell Mountain.

Reply to
Bi!!
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Actually, the Dunn should just be getting good right now.

Reply to
Lawrence Leichtman

Thanks for the note, Bill. I have but a single bottle of this, which I plan on opening for my 80th birthday (only partly kidding here). In my db notes, I see that Parker says to keep your hands off of it for another five years, and that it'll last another 25 beyond that. And what's your beef with the '85 Dunn HM? That you're mortal? ;-)

Mark Lipton

Reply to
Mark Lipton

I still have three bottles of 1985 Dunn HM left in my cellar from a case that I bought on release. I opened a bottle last year and found the wine to still possess massive tannins and almost undrinkable it was so tannic. The fruit is still there and even after extended opening and decanting the most prevelant aspect of the wine is the tannins. They're not green nor are they harsh....just too much tannin that never seems to resolve or soften. FWIW, this still seems to be the house style at Dunn for the HM. More recent vintages seem to be a bit more approachable yet still loaded with tannin.

Reply to
Bi!!

I agree, but because of that I am off buying any more Dunn as they rarely seem to resolve to my satisfaction. Some of the late 90's wines are a bit more approachable but at the price they should be wonderful not approachable.

Reply to
Lawrence Leichtman

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