Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

I believe Ridge is the greatest winery in America. My long-form case is at leduwines.com/blogs/connor/ridge 🇺🇸🍷

Full disclosure: they’re my home team! I’ve been hiking on Monte Bello ridge since I was a child, and took every opportunity I could do drive Skyline Boulevard while living in the Bay. It’s no wonder to me that these vines are so happy.

With the retirement of the great Paul Draper in 2016, three men - Eric Baugher, John Olney, and David Gates - have taken up stewardship of the legendary estate. All three have been with Ridge at least twenty years.

There is no doubt: the principles instilled by David Bennion and perfected by Paul Draper are alive and well. If anything, Ridge is entering yet another golden era, and will continue leading American wine toward its most authentic self.

Signature: Eric Baugher

Fantastic. Still young, and I'd recommend holding but great depth and balance. Plenty of fruit with many interesting notes.

Stewed plums, wet leather, mushrooms, earth, cinnamon, dried violets, umami, dill. So graceful and elegant and enough juicy fruit with great bottle age notes shinning through.

In such a sweet primary spot. Just about to turn the corner. Absolutely delicious

03 at its peak and delicious!

Finest Provenance available - Tasted at Winery. The color was dark red. The nose was overripe with warm tones and funky stewed tomatoes. The palate was dark blueberry, chocolate, and dust. Very little acid left with a viscous texture on the tongue. A short fading finish. A big disappointment as Ridge Monte Bello is always much better than this. Maybe and off bottle or vintage? $400 Winery Retail. www.austinbeeman.com

Fresh, blueberry jam, cinnamon, warm vintage, very good

Delicious

As good as it gets. Had this in a London restaurant for 70 pounds! Must have been mis-priced.

2003 beauteousness. Because: Desperate times call for…