Ridge Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Monte Bello 1988

This still has grip and depth to the colour, vibrant ruby red, velvet tannins, touch of iron filings, earth and blood on the opening notes, along with violet and iris flowers, could almost be an aged Syrah in its earthy seduction. It unrolls slowly to show tobacco, bacon, soy, grilled red peppers, truffle, showcasing a hot vintage that benefitted from the cooler climate of the Santa Cruz mountains. Almost entirely new American oak, rest new French oak. Paul Draper winemaker.