This wine (91% Zinfandel and 9% Petite Sirah) reveals a Bordeaux-like austerity to its flavor profile. There is plenty of tannin, but that does not mean this offering can be cellared for any length of time. The blackberry/cherry notes combine with spicy oak, pepper, and minerals for a moderately intense, enticing bouquet. In the mouth, the wine exhibits firmness, some American oak, as well as good spice and sweet fruit. Consume this classy, complex Zinfandel over the next 5-6 years.
This is an excellent, nearly outstanding Zinfandel that possesses a certain firmness and structured feel (particularly when compared to the 1995s, 1994s, and 1993s). Because of the definition and angularity, it would be natural for readers to think this wine requires cellaring. My instincts and experience suggest this Zinfandel needs to be drunk in their exuberant youth - over the next 4-5 years.
Ridge has produced a fine series of 1996 Zinfandels. They reveal the vintage's rich, high alcohol personality, and forward, immediately drinkable style. I do not believe the 1996 vintage will age more than 5-6 years, despite the high alcohol. The tiny Zinfandel crop resulted in concentrated wines, but they are not as exceptionally deep as one might have expected given the small yields.
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