Fiat Vino

This was crazy good and paired with a braised lamb like peanut butter and jelly. We popped this for a second Thanksgiving dinner and it hit the spot just as everyone got seated. There are big fruits here with plenty of oak, and 10 years seemed to be just the right amount of time for this one. Since we've been dipping into out cellar lately, I think we've been doing a fine job of timing. This could have gone a few more years possibly but last night was a great opportunity.

This was wonderful and although it didn't have that musky Tuscan nuance to it, I love me a good California Sangiovese. This was just the right ago too I think, the tannins were mellowed and the fruit had an opportunity to shine. It is a shame we don't produce more Sangiovese here, the Italians have been making wine for thousands of years and they seem to have stuck with it. It is a great, we'll balanced grape when done with care.

Like adult candy, I love a jammy zin as long as it has a backbone. This satisfies like a Snickers. This Sonoma County gem has 4% Petite Syrah that likely helps hold up much of the fruit and keeps it from being a complete bomb. In any case, it packs 14.2 percent alcohol too but it isn't hot or overbearing at all. Many people complain about California wines getting out of control with their tannins and booziness but this is a great example of how far you can take it and still keep it approachable. And classy. Keep it classy Ridge.