Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.380 ratings
9.430 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Top Notes For
Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.5

Beautiful. Ripe. Dill, mint and tons of red fruit. Still a baby!!

Beautiful. Ripe. Dill, mint and tons of red fruit. Still a baby!!

Nov 30th, 2022
LM Segal

Incredibly pure fruit with the graphite and cigar box of a sweet young Bordeaux. Powerful, lithe, dark red and black fruit. Perfectly integrated oak. Lovely.

Incredibly pure fruit with the graphite and cigar box of a sweet young Bordeaux. Powerful, lithe, dark red and black fruit. Perfectly integrated oak. Lovely.

Sep 1st, 2020
LM Segal

Nicely bricked. Killer nose of camphor and graphite. Needed an hour+ to sort out in decanter but smooth and silky, beautifully dry and layered. No need to wait, phenomenal.

Nicely bricked. Killer nose of camphor and graphite. Needed an hour+ to sort out in decanter but smooth and silky, beautifully dry and layered. No need to wait, phenomenal.

Apr 26th, 2020
Greg Koslosky

Great potential !

Great potential !

Jan 28th, 2018
Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.5

From the American oak sarsaparilla on the nose all the way through to the fresh, lifted finish this subtle Cabernet was a California classic. This Monte Bello had first growth texture, mountain concentration and best of all, a laid back, unforced presentation.

From the American oak sarsaparilla on the nose all the way through to the fresh, lifted finish this subtle Cabernet was a California classic. This Monte Bello had first growth texture, mountain concentration and best of all, a laid back, unforced presentation.

Jun 21st, 2017
David L

04' Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello. Why do I not have a collection of these wines in my cellar? Is it because what's new and trending is a must buy? The latest and greatest new wineries/wines? Parker, Wine Spectator, ETC!?! Yes, I seem to be a victim of this somewhat also. Shame on me!

Monte Bello is just a great wine... year in & year out.

Decanting is a must! The nose - Floral/forest floor/blackberry. The palate is a wave of black cherry ,smokey, earthiness. Acidity throughout the glass. Moderate tannins. 15 years in it.

04' Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello. Why do I not have a collection of these wines in my cellar? Is it because what's new and trending is a must buy? The latest and greatest new wineries/wines? Parker, Wine Spectator, ETC!?! Yes, I seem to be a victim of this somewhat also. Shame on me!

Monte Bello is just a great wine... year in & year out.

Decanting is a must! The nose - Floral/forest floor/blackberry. The palate is a wave of black cherry ,smokey, earthiness. Acidity throughout the glass. Moderate tannins. 15 years in it.

Sep 22nd, 2016
Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.6

One of the most elegant, poised and complete Cabernet based wines I have had from the oughts- not just from California, but anywhere. This was stupendous with grilled Stilton burgers!

One of the most elegant, poised and complete Cabernet based wines I have had from the oughts- not just from California, but anywhere. This was stupendous with grilled Stilton burgers!

Jun 29th, 2016
Ron R
9.4

A clone of the 95, with more vibrant fruit, acid and tannins. Needs food, but is built for the long haul. Maraschino cherries and tobacco are evident. Minerals and rocks also shine through. Brilliant!

A clone of the 95, with more vibrant fruit, acid and tannins. Needs food, but is built for the long haul. Maraschino cherries and tobacco are evident. Minerals and rocks also shine through. Brilliant!

Apr 21st, 2016