Date Tasted: 9/2022

I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Ridge Vineyards wines. The concentration, complexity and balance one can find in their creations are exceptional. The Monte Bello vineyard is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California’s coolest cabernet-producing area with strong sea influence. It has a special meaning for the Ridge Vineyards because it is the first vineyard they bought, and the fine wine they produced drove them to build the winery. Plus, the Monte Bello wine ranked pretty well in both judgements of Paris.

Worth to mention that the philosophy of Ridge Vineyards of how to express the terroir best is hands-off winemaking, focused on its variety and parcel separately with plenty of small fermentations, and always with the natural yeasts.

Appearance: Almost black, deep ruby colour.

Nose: It is concentrated with a dense core of black fruits like blackberry, blackcurrant, and bramble. It follows a thick spice layer of clove, cinnamon, coconut and cardamon with hints of mushroom and wet leaves. Although it counts 11 years from the harvest it still looks very young with intense primary fruit aromas and needs more years to evolve.

Palate: The flavours are so concentrated and potent that you can easily detect each fruit, spice and other savours. The tannins are still tight. It is a full-bodied wine with medium plus acidity, yet the balance is perfect. The aftertaste is fruit-forward and stands for minutes. 

Hold: Start opening it after 5 - 7 years or even more. 

Food Pairing: Beef goulash.

Score: 96

Name: Monte Bello

Producer: Ridge Vineyards

Variety: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc

Vintage: 2011

Region: AVA Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Alcohol: 13%

Retail Price: 300€

Serving temperature: 16-18 C°

Drink it until 2039