Ridge Vineyards

Steep Terraces Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.310 ratings
9.36 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The first vintage for this wine. It's made from vines that are oldest part of the vineyard. Only 7-8 barrels made. Vineyard is all terraced. Nose of dark currant/cassis, black berries, dark cherries, cherries, strawberries black plum, well executed baking spices, dark chocolate, wiff of green pepper, light spice and dry and dark florals. Velvety M-M+ tannins, thick mouthfeel, dark currants/cassis, blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, plum reduction, med spices, vanilla, nutmeg, dark dry earth, bramble, dry and fresh dark florals, crushed dry rock powder, soft leather, tobacco with ash and a little graphite. The finish is round, lush and elegant. Good concentration. Big acidity. Picked at 23.5 bricks, Ph of 3.0, 100% new oak, 24 months in barrel and acidity at bottling 3.38. This wine will cellar 50 years. Photos of the grounds around Monte Bello and some of their very old gnarly vines.

The first vintage for this wine. It's made from vines that are oldest part of the vineyard. Only 7-8 barrels made. Vineyard is all terraced. Nose of dark currant/cassis, black berries, dark cherries, cherries, strawberries black plum, well executed baking spices, dark chocolate, wiff of green pepper, light spice and dry and dark florals. Velvety M-M+ tannins, thick mouthfeel, dark currants/cassis, blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, plum reduction, med spices, vanilla, nutmeg, dark dry earth, bramble, dry and fresh dark florals, crushed dry rock powder, soft leather, tobacco with ash and a little graphite. The finish is round, lush and elegant. Good concentration. Big acidity. Picked at 23.5 bricks, Ph of 3.0, 100% new oak, 24 months in barrel and acidity at bottling 3.38. This wine will cellar 50 years. Photos of the grounds around Monte Bello and some of their very old gnarly vines.

Jun 3rd, 2017
Aaron Means

I like the traditional Monte bello better

I like the traditional Monte bello better

Apr 25th, 2017
Jo Florradikal

bell pepper, licorice, dark fruits, beautiful tannins, lavender and other floral notes, violets, lavender, star anise, clove, all spice, sage

bell pepper, licorice, dark fruits, beautiful tannins, lavender and other floral notes, violets, lavender, star anise, clove, all spice, sage

Feb 23rd, 2017
Mitzi Inglis

Marketing/Public Relations, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

9.5

Steep Terraces bottling. Fantastic now, better in 10 years. What a treat. (Forgot to take a pic of the label so I had look online) #ridgevinyards

Steep Terraces bottling. Fantastic now, better in 10 years. What a treat. (Forgot to take a pic of the label so I had look online) #ridgevinyards

Jan 17th, 2017
Eric Linderman

Good wine but not as good as the monte hello blend. More acidic on the pallet French in style, this wine needs some bottle age. Nose was explosive with cassis and dark red fruits. Slightly better day 2

Good wine but not as good as the monte hello blend. More acidic on the pallet French in style, this wine needs some bottle age. Nose was explosive with cassis and dark red fruits. Slightly better day 2

Apr 20th, 2017
Eric Linderman

2013 limited release steep terraces 100% cab.. 12.7%. Started closed down but opened up beautifully. Cassis, blue fruit and a bit of root beer. Fruit and mineral with a long finish

2013 limited release steep terraces 100% cab.. 12.7%. Started closed down but opened up beautifully. Cassis, blue fruit and a bit of root beer. Fruit and mineral with a long finish

Feb 17th, 2017
Stephen Carney

Stephen had this 7 years ago

Stephen had this 7 years ago

Apr 19th, 2017
Stephen Carney

Stephen had this 8 years ago

Stephen had this 8 years ago

Feb 17th, 2017
Rohan Pandit

Rohan had this 6 years ago

Rohan had this 6 years ago

Jun 8th, 2018
Jessica Was

Jessica had this 7 years ago

Jessica had this 7 years ago

Sep 5th, 2017