TN: 1987 Ahlgren Bates Ranch

WINE TALK
1

A quick note to those that may know or follow Ahlgren and the Bates Ranch vineyard. Really lovely, fruit-driven mouthful of SCM Cabernet - brambly black olive and lavender. Generous but with great balance and fine tannins. 13.2% abv, unfined and unfiltered. The Bates ranch is known to take its time coming around and this wine has rewarded patience. Protip: The Ahlgrens have decided to close up shop - more time to play with the great grand children - and are selling off their library, dating back to the early 80s. Great opportunity to drink some well aged, well kept SCM Cabernet at very approachable pricing. Not affiliated in any way other than being a fan. [cheers.gif]

2

No there’s a blast from the past. Ahlgren & Bates Ranch. KenBurnap used to make Cab & Merlot from BatesRanch that were terrific.
Also believe Milan made Cabs from there at ThunderMtn as well.
Tom

3

I tasted a Bates Ranch Cab from Byington about a year ago. Nothing noteworthy, but I’ve had Bates Ranch wines from Ahlgren and others over the years and I know the vineyard is capable of better things. Good to hear that '87 Ahlgren is holding up well.

4

Ken - I ordered some 85, 86, 90 and 91 from their library. Fingers crossed. Such nice people!

5

That’s for sure! Loved visiting the winery and always looked forward to seeing Dexter at the Santa Cruz Mtns. Pinot Paradise tastings. Miss seeing him there now that the winery is closing down.

6

For those in the SFbay area, they are open on Saturday for tasting and sales. I have been driving up and buying many cases of their 375ml bottles of older Cabs, Syrah and Pinot. Also a great Cab Franc and Semillon. Wonderful folks and well worth the gnarly drive up highway 9 from Saratoga.

7

Loren, out of curiosity, what’s to become of their vineyards?

8

It’s almost all purchased fruit. Their estate vineyard is pretty small. Whatever the fate of that fruit, it’s already occurred since they shut down commercial wine production some time ago. Once they sell their property is another matter. They’d been trying to sell to someone who would continue the winery for years, to no avail. So, who knows if the eventual buyer will have any interest in a vineyard.

9

I bought a case of the 1987 Ahlgren Bates Ranch following release and still have a few bottles. Now fully mature, it has never disappointed.
MrBigJ