For my 55th, at a great little BYOB in Blue Bell PA (Alison's).
We started with a Mumm Napa Cuvee Blanc de Noir. This really exceeded my expectations - lovely salmon color, cherry and bread with a hint of caramel on the palate.
Then on to the Ridge; I had stashed this away for a special occasion and forgot about it for a while: garnet, starting to brick just slightly. Wonderful intense nose of vanilla, cherry. anise and plum, with a touch of earth and barnyard. Cherry, plum and blackberry fruit on the palate, with earth and cedar in the background. Tannins fully resolved. Luscious, harmonious and elegant. I am in awe of the beauty of these Ridge field-blend Zins, and this vineyard in particular: not only are they great in their youth, but they age with incredible grace. Would that I could have afforded a few more of these!
Regards, Dean