What a wonderful e-mail I recently received from one Rod Rippel, Ridge fan extraordinaire!
Given that anytime I receive an e-mail that begins with the words, “Rummaging around in my cellar” I get a tingly feeling on the back of my neck, you can only imagine my excitement when I discovered the words that followed that initial tease:
“Rummaging around in my cellar I came across a 1985 Ridge Langtry Road Claret bottled in Aug of ’87 under a Ridge label with ATP initials.”
Wow! 1985 Langtry Road! Rod goes on to write:
“I think I’ve had it since the late 80′s.”
Ok, now I’m really getting the shiver-me-timberses; a 1985 Langtry Road, properly stored in a home cellar for 20 years! Ooooh, this could be good!!! And what does Rod write next?
“This wine is still very good!”
Straight, simple, right to the point; literary beauty and the art of simplicity. This wine is still very good. I love it.
Rod also wrote the following very wonderful set of notes and observations:
Moderate sediment, nice color (petite syrah?), crystal clear.
Nice balance and mouth feel, berry flavor (Zin?) still there, and nice persistence.
Initial impression – refreshing and drinkable wine.
And he closes with perhaps the most excellent observation of all:
“After 20+ years we should all turn out so well!”
Cheers to that Rod, and thank you!
Has anyone else out there tasted this wine recently? Do you have a bottle in your cellar? Enquiring minds want to know!
