"Ed Rasimus" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 03:04:13 GMT, "DPM" > wrote:
>
> [snip]

> As for making 'em like that anymore, Ridge has done several late
> harvest and late picked bottlings in the last couple of years. They
> fit the profile you mention.
>

I have a '97 Ridge Paso Robles late picked in the cellar, but I don't think
it will be in the same league; although the alcohol is at 15.6%(!), RS is
only 0.5%, so I'm not expecting a porty, sweet wine like the Cline.

> As for Cline, I picked up an Old Vine Zin a few weeks ago--think it
> was '02--and found it decidedly herbal rather than fruit forward.
> Somehow dill in wines is a taste I haven't acquired yet.
>
I associate herbal notes with unripeness, although this is probably a
generalization; there may be numerous conditions that cause it. But I still
have a soft spot in my heart for Cline's big Zins; one of the first big Zins
I ever had was the 1994 Cline Big Break. It was absolutely eye-opening, and
it became my reference point for what single-vineyard Zin could/should be
for several years. I still pick up a bottle of the Big Break or Bridgehead
when I can find it. Another one of Cline's that I like is the Ancient Vines
(same as your old vine?). It's consistently good, although some years are
better than others. I don't recall the '02, but I've got a '04 sleeping in
the cellar.

Regards,
Dean