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Ridge Del Carlo Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley) 2001

Unlike most Ridge ATP Zinfandels, this wine is 100% Zinfandel rather than a blend. It's a nice wine, but perhaps stands as evidence that Zinfandel needs a supporting cast. There is not quite the complexity one expects from Ridge, especially in the mid-palate. Like most 2001s, this is a firm wine with lots of structure from tannins and acids. After 2-and-a-half years of bottle age, however, it has softened enough to be quite drinkable (and thrown a fair bit of sediment, so be sure to decant). Wild blackberries and briars are the dominant flavor associations. Grade: B