2003 Rippon

13.5% alc., $35. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. This is the first wine made at Rippon by Nicholas Mills and his team. · The wine is still slightly closed and would benefit from decanting. The style is similar to the 2001 vintage, but there is more of everything - more delicate red fruits, more spice including cinnamon, and more layers of flavor. The mouth feel is sleek and sexy. This is a balanced wine of great potential that will age magnificently. Reviewed April 16, 2006

Winery: Rippon