The 2012 Zinfandel Geyserville is drop-dead gorgeous. Dark and fleshy, yet backed up by significant structure, the 2012 impresses for its pure polish and finesse. Raspberry jam, flowers, cloves and menthol wrap around the juicy, expressive finish. The 2012 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Wow! The blend is 70% Zinfandel, 21% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (Mourvedre).

(71% zinfandel, 19% carignane, 7% petite sirah, 2% mataro and 1% alicante bouschet): Inky purple. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of dark berry liqueur, potpourri, smoky oak and Indian spices, with a hint of licorice in the background. Fleshy, palate-staining black raspberry and boysenberry flavors become brighter and spicier with air and pick up a sexy lavender pastille nuance. Supple tannins add support to an extremely long, sweet finish that extends the berry and floral notes. As fine an example of this consistently excellent bottling as I've had in years.

Bold flavors and a graceful mouthfeel come together in this classic, complex and well-balanced red, made from 71% Zinfandel with other traditional California varieties. The blackberry, sage and ever-so-slightly earthy aromas continue through the flavors, where they interlace with firm tannins and supportive acidity. This could easily improve through 2019.

Ridge's 2012 Proprietary Red Geyserville is a blend of 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan, 7% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvédre and Alicante Bouchet. It exhibits a dark ruby/plum color, loads of berry fruit intermixed with earth, pepper and spice, and good freshness as well as precision. This sensual, spicy 2012 can be consumed over the next 5-6 years.

Focused and structured yet surprisingly light on its feet, this offers smoky plum and dill aromas that lead to zesty flavors of raspberry, fresh anise and spice box. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2020.