The Ridge York Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 1978 is 95% Napa County CS and
5% Merlot from Spring Mountain. Alcohol is 13.9% by volume. Bottled July 1980. It had a low neck fill and good cork. I have had this wine before, and this was the best bottle yet. It was properly stored since release, and cost $US 14.99 back then.Although not quite in the class of the Ridge Monte Bello CS made in the
1970s, this is none the less very good wine and has developed and held very well. I still has a very deep color with only little evidence of age around the rim. The tannins are still there, but now they are softened and smooth. There is the right amount of acid for balance. The bouquet is very large with much cassis, spice, and hints of herbs. You do not have to fuss with glasses, swirling,etc with this wine. It likely has enough bouquet to show well in a shot glass. The taste is just what you would expect from the bouquet. I do not see how this wine could improve with more age, but it would be no surprise if it holds fairly well for many more years. Although this is quit a big wine by today's standards, it is not over-the-top and hot with excessive alcohol as were some of the 70s.