Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay

9.3

Delightfully complicated California Chard masquerading as a White Burgundy. French nose and French finish. Minerals, flint, stone and fruit—apple, pear, peach and nectarine, with an obvious but restrained layer of oak. Not overly fruity or oaky; no pineapple or butterscotch here. Paired well with the Seafood Tower, Swordfish and Black Cod at the Water Grill Santa Monica. This was a juvenile 2021 vintage, tasted in 2024. Eager to try this gem after another half decade. — 11 days ago

Bodegas Riojanas

Monte Real Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2009

Roberto Carli

9.2

Crazy to say but…too young! Balanced and dark but has yet to develop the spice rack subtleness and tannins can still evolve further — a month ago

Tom, LM and 2 others liked this

Suavia

Monte Carbonare Garganega 2021

FabianG

9.0

#wineaccess — a month ago

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Victor Hsu

9.0

Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 3 days ago

Scott@Mister liked this