Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Ridge Vineyards 2015

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (which hails from the Monte Bello Vineyard) is already quite expressive, revealing aromas of blackcurrant, ripe cherries, cigar box and burning embers, framed by a judicious application of new oak. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, supple and nicely balanced, with fine-grained tannins, a good core of ripe fruit and a pure finish. While the Estate Cabernet is explicitly crafted to be approachable in its youth, this should be well worth following for the next 15 years. The 2015 blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.