I'm always a little apprehensive about opening one of Ridge's wines with less than 10 years age on it (even if it's their merlot), but this is in a good spot. A concentration of red and dark fruits (red cherry, dark plum, blackberry, blueberry, bramble) followed by cedar, pipe. The high smooth tannins + high acidity, give the merlot a lot of structure, and balances the concentrated fruit. The 58% American oak is well integrated by now. I think even Miles would like this one. 90
by Key_Candle9928