Ridge Vineyards
Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Still drinking extremely young. Impeccably well made wine that needs air for optimum drinking.
Still drinking extremely young. Impeccably well made wine that needs air for optimum drinking.
Apr 10th, 2018
I think my first Monte Bello and it does not disappoint. A very charming wine with an intriguing tomato component backed up by tons of cassis - "classic" California Cab. Great structure and for me in its prime right now (from half bottle).
I think my first Monte Bello and it does not disappoint. A very charming wine with an intriguing tomato component backed up by tons of cassis - "classic" California Cab. Great structure and for me in its prime right now (from half bottle).
Jun 17th, 2017
In a magnum format, this 2002 had very little signs of maturing but it was delicious, fresh, the crispy nose is something amazing in Montbello
In a magnum format, this 2002 had very little signs of maturing but it was delicious, fresh, the crispy nose is something amazing in Montbello
Dec 25th, 2015
The California first growth delivers the goods! This 2002 mag had so much power and cassis impact without becoming heavy- on the contrary it was super refreshing. This beat Bordeaux at its own game with Kobe Fred steak after 2 hours in the decanter.
The California first growth delivers the goods! This 2002 mag had so much power and cassis impact without becoming heavy- on the contrary it was super refreshing. This beat Bordeaux at its own game with Kobe Fred steak after 2 hours in the decanter.
Jun 8th, 2015
Awesome fruit, anise, med tannins, smoothed out with some air, no decant, really flat structure in middle palate made this wine somewhat of a disappointment. Day 2, had the last glass from bottle showed better than day one oddly enough
Awesome fruit, anise, med tannins, smoothed out with some air, no decant, really flat structure in middle palate made this wine somewhat of a disappointment. Day 2, had the last glass from bottle showed better than day one oddly enough
May 11th, 2013
45 min decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable medium garnet color with bricking. On the nose: beautiful perfumed notes burst from the glass with sour cherry, mint, dusty earth, currants, wet cedar, green bell pepper....could sniff all night! Taste: soft and round, smooth, elegant wine with raspberry, cedar, currants, musky earth, and a nice dark chocolate cherry finish. YUM! A wine that has hit its stride over the past few years with time to go.
45 min decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable medium garnet color with bricking. On the nose: beautiful perfumed notes burst from the glass with sour cherry, mint, dusty earth, currants, wet cedar, green bell pepper....could sniff all night! Taste: soft and round, smooth, elegant wine with raspberry, cedar, currants, musky earth, and a nice dark chocolate cherry finish. YUM! A wine that has hit its stride over the past few years with time to go.
Nov 27th, 2022
NY Wine Spectator Event- always awesome!
NY Wine Spectator Event- always awesome!
Oct 23rd, 2022
Soft and supple, almost velvety, featuring a core of red and black fruit, great purity, with touches of leather, herbs, and spice. Nice length, refined.
Soft and supple, almost velvety, featuring a core of red and black fruit, great purity, with touches of leather, herbs, and spice. Nice length, refined.
Jan 3rd, 20221 hour decant(some fine sediment). A remarkable dark purplish garnet color with a little bricking. On the nose: that sweet aged cab perfume, creme brulee, raspberry, mint, earth, and spice. Taste: A creamy, soft, medium plus body wine with cedar, raspberry, dark chocolate, and a cherry mineral long finish. Rocking its drinking window ready to go years. Cheers!
1 hour decant(some fine sediment). A remarkable dark purplish garnet color with a little bricking. On the nose: that sweet aged cab perfume, creme brulee, raspberry, mint, earth, and spice. Taste: A creamy, soft, medium plus body wine with cedar, raspberry, dark chocolate, and a cherry mineral long finish. Rocking its drinking window ready to go years. Cheers!
May 31st, 2021