This wine (a blend of 75% Zinfandel, 17% Carignan, 6% Petite Sirah, and 2% Mataro) tips the scales at 14.9% alcohol. In spite of the hefty alcohol content, it is an exceptionally elegant wine, with sweet, black raspberry and cherry fruit, medium body, and a dry, crisp, lightly tannic finish. This wine could easily pass for a high class, mid-weight 1995 red Burgundy. As the wine sits in the mouth, its glycerin and multi-layered texture are very appealing. It should drink well for 5-6 years. This is an excellent, nearly outstanding Zinfandel that possesses a certain firmness and structured feel (particularly when compared to the 1995s, 1994s, and 1993s). Because of the definition and angularity, it would be natural for readers to think this wine requires cellaring. My instincts and experience suggest this Zinfandel needs to be drunk in their exuberant youth - over the next 4-5 years. Ridge has produced a fine series of 1996 Zinfandels. They reveal the vintage's rich, high alcohol personality, and forward, immediately drinkable style. I do not believe the 1996 vintage will age more than 5-6 years, despite the high alcohol. The tiny Zinfandel crop resulted in concentrated wines, but they are not as exceptionally deep as one might have expected given the small yields. Tel. (408) 867-3233