Ridge Vineyards
Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Killing it right now!
Killing it right now!
Apr 10th, 2015
A little short and flat on the palate, but wonderfully varied savor on the nose.
A little short and flat on the palate, but wonderfully varied savor on the nose.
Nov 28th, 2014
Still plenty of life, color. Earthy fruit.
Still plenty of life, color. Earthy fruit.
Nov 14th, 2014Amazing color. Still quite primary. Even a little nerve. Not as profound as 91 Monte Bello by a stretch. Great shape and pleasant drinking.
Amazing color. Still quite primary. Even a little nerve. Not as profound as 91 Monte Bello by a stretch. Great shape and pleasant drinking.
Dec 26th, 2013All you could ask for from older cab, leather, tobacco, brambly fruit, spice. Beautiful texture. Harmonious tannins. So balanced. Why must I wait 20 years for wine like this!?!?
All you could ask for from older cab, leather, tobacco, brambly fruit, spice. Beautiful texture. Harmonious tannins. So balanced. Why must I wait 20 years for wine like this!?!?
Dec 8th, 2013
Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – 2023
Bates Ranch · Fellom Ranch · Monte Bello · Vidovich Vineyards – Santa Cruz Mountains – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A beautifully balanced mountain Cabernet blend with a composition of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot that showcases Ridge’s signature restraint. The 2023 vintage delivers intensity without excess, deep, structured fruit framed by refreshing acidity and lifted aromatics. A wonderfully clear expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ cool-climate character.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, plum, and wild blackberry layered with graphite, cedar, dried sage, and faint tobacco leaf. Hints of violet, cocoa, and mountain herbs add nuance as it opens.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with refined tannins, bright natural acidity, and a mineral-driven core. Concentrated yet composed, power without heaviness. The finish is long, savory, and clean.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, rosemary lamb, roasted mushrooms, beef tenderloin, or aged cheeses like Comté or Cheddar.
Verdict
A lovely, balanced, and quietly intense Cabernet that delivers depth without going over the top. This is classic Ridge, mountain purity, elegance, and quiet power.
Did You Know?
Ridge sources this wine from four historic high-elevation vineyards, Bates, Fellom, Monte Bello, and Vidovich, all influenced by ocean-cooled nights and fractured limestone soils. These sites consistently produce Cabernets with structure and freshness uncommon in California.
Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – 2023
Bates Ranch · Fellom Ranch · Monte Bello · Vidovich Vineyards – Santa Cruz Mountains – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A beautifully balanced mountain Cabernet blend with a composition of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot that showcases Ridge’s signature restraint. The 2023 vintage delivers intensity without excess, deep, structured fruit framed by refreshing acidity and lifted aromatics. A wonderfully clear expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ cool-climate character.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, plum, and wild blackberry layered with graphite, cedar, dried sage, and faint tobacco leaf. Hints of violet, cocoa, and mountain herbs add nuance as it opens.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with refined tannins, bright natural acidity, and a mineral-driven core. Concentrated yet composed, power without heaviness. The finish is long, savory, and clean.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, rosemary lamb, roasted mushrooms, beef tenderloin, or aged cheeses like Comté or Cheddar.
Verdict
A lovely, balanced, and quietly intense Cabernet that delivers depth without going over the top. This is classic Ridge, mountain purity, elegance, and quiet power.
Did You Know?
Ridge sources this wine from four historic high-elevation vineyards, Bates, Fellom, Monte Bello, and Vidovich, all influenced by ocean-cooled nights and fractured limestone soils. These sites consistently produce Cabernets with structure and freshness uncommon in California.
From a magnum, there is still a bit of fruit left. Exceeded expectations but wish it had been opened years before. Still a bow to Paul Draper for his superb winemaking skills.
From a magnum, there is still a bit of fruit left. Exceeded expectations but wish it had been opened years before. Still a bow to Paul Draper for his superb winemaking skills.
Oct 8th, 2017This wine is absolutely singing. Bursting with fruit and all alive.
This wine is absolutely singing. Bursting with fruit and all alive.
Jul 13th, 2015