M & I’s contribution for OTBN was the 2009 Ridge Monte Bello. I love everything Ridge, and this was my first time trying the Monte Bello. A true classic. This wine was more earth and rustic than the Staglin. Winemaker notes best describe this wine as deep ruby/purple; blackberry, red current, ripe cassis, cedar, crushed rock minerality, toasted oak; Full-body, rich tannin structure, dark berry fruit, firm acid, wet-stone, juniper, forest floor, cola, and lingering exotic oak spice finish. — a month ago
Tasted blind. Dark, dark black scarlet color. Opaque times 2. Notes of black cherry, licorice, herbs and violets. Some menthol too. Big and strong in the mouth. Monolithic and still a bit harsh despite being open all day. Not as big a fan of this as others, at least at this point in its evolution. — 20 days ago
Pub 28 with Bidewy — 5 days ago
Not what I was hoping for,
Gave it some air but not too much so that we didn’t lose the sweet spot. Didn’t touch the Shafer until this was finished. Just a typical older Bordeaux blend from Napa but very ordinary considering the price point. Secondary market purchase so who knows prior storage. — 20 days ago
1 hour decant(decent chunky/cloudy sediment). A monumental dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: addictive aromas of an old bottle of maraschino cherries, funky forest floor, vanilla chocolate, gravel. Taste: smooth, creamy, bright wine with dark plum/cherry, tobacco, spice, cocoa, earthy, and a medium plus dry finish with some still there kicken tannins after 15 years. Drinks well with the decant, but would like to try again in 3 years. YUM! Really enjoyed it. — a month ago
Ron Siegel
Youthful & fresh with a polished mouthfeel showing power, balance, good length black fruit, licorice, graphite, menthol & tobacco. — 3 days ago