1998 Ridge Sangiovese (Dry Creek)

Dark and deep, but troubling. There”s a common candy-cherry-cola element that runs through a great majority of Ridge wines (is it the yeast?) and it’s evident here. The Ridge is fatter and juicier than any self-respecting Italian sangiovese would ever be; between that and the American oak, it certainly shows its New World origins. Pairing it with a pizza Margherita did nothing to ameliorate the life-sucking tannins.

SY (8/00)