Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains 2004

51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

After natural primary and secondary fermentations ended, Ridge began assembling this outstanding Santa Cruz Mountains. Based on blind tastings, they included selected portions of the early-ripening Merlot and the last-picked Cabernet, all of the first press, and the richest of the second.

By April, assemblage was complete. Twenty-two months in air-dried American oak has integrated the wine. It is beautifully balanced, and can be enjoyed now, yet will develop still greater complexity with five to ten years of bottle age.