Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Ridge's California Cabernet Sauvignon is built on the grape that defines Bordeaux-style reds: small, thick-skinned berries that give deep color, firm tannin and a structure suited to both the table and the cellar. The label names only the grape and the state, so the details below describe what to expect from a California Cabernet of this kind, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect dark fruit at the center: blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry, usually with cedar, graphite or a touch of dried herb alongside. California Cabernets tend toward ripe fruit and a full body, and many spend time in oak, which can add vanilla, baking spice and a toasty edge. The structure is where Cabernet earns its reputation. Tannins are typically firm and grippy, with moderate to fairly high acidity holding the weight of the fruit in check. The finish usually runs long, and the tannin is most noticeable on the gums and mid-palate. That grip is the reason this style asks for food. On its own it can read as austere, and with a meal it softens. Fat and protein are the natural partners. A grilled ribeye, a rack of lamb with rosemary, braised short ribs or a burger with aged cheddar all give the tannin something to bind to. Hard, aged cheeses such as Gouda or Manchego work well, and so do mushroom dishes and roasted root vegetables with a savory edge. Avoid very spicy or delicate fish dishes, which tend to clash with the tannin. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C). A bottle that is too warm will taste heavy and alcoholic, so 15 minutes in the refrigerator before opening helps on a warm day. A young Cabernet usually benefits from an hour or so in a decanter, or at least a vigorous pour, to soften the tannin and open the aromas. A large-bowled Bordeaux glass gives the wine room to breathe and directs the aromas toward the nose. Most bottles in this style are approachable on release when decanted and paired with food. They can also be cellared for several more years if kept cool, dark and on their side. The label doesn't state a vintage, so check the bottle for it and for any producer drinking-window guidance.