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  • Country ranking ?

    421
  • Producer ranking ?

    27
  • Decanting time

    1h
  • When to drink

    Now
  • Food Pairing

    Beef Tenderloin & Roasted venison fillet

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The Story

In 1886, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the first Monte Bello vineyards were planted, and winery construction begun. A first vintage from the young vines followed in 1892. During Prohibition (1920-1933), the vineyard was not fully maintained; some vines survived into the late 30s, but by the 1940s they were effectively abandoned. Eight acres of cabernet sauvignon were replanted in 1949. These were the source of the first Ridge Monte Bello (...

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Wine Information

BLEND: 85% Cabernet sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

VINTAGE 1990 REPORT:  The 1990 Monte Bello growing season began late. In the Santa Cruz Mountains, where temperatures are moderated by the region’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, this meant that set (fruit formation) was not complete until late June. As warm summer days ripened the fruit, cool nights helped maintain firm acidity. Harvest on the south-facing slopes was begun in earl...

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Latest Pro-tasting notes

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Written Notes

Shared in the Selhurst Park boardroom to commemorate another, even more momentous match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. This bottle was in great condition. Deep garnet with a rusty rim. Spicy, earthy nose and fully evolved tannins but excellent vibrant fruit still. Long and complex.

  • 93p
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Information

Origin

Cupertino, Santa Cruz

Grapes

10% Merlot
85% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Petit Verdot

Drinking temperature

17-18C

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Inside Information

PRESS:

The Wine Advocate (May 2018): 95 Points. “The 1990 Monte Bello is drinking beautifully, and while it can’t match the drama of the 1991 or the concentration of the 1992, it’s a superb vintage that’s long on complexity and character. The wine exhibits complex aromas of cassis, plums, cigar box, wood smoke and subtle grilled meat, framed by savory bass notes of rich soil. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, complete and layered, with rich, fine-grained structuring tannins and firm balancing acids. Exquisitely balanced, the 1992 is less marked by new oak than the 1991, perhaps because it spent a shorter time in barrel. The product of a long, even growing season and an October harvest, it’s a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.” – William Kelley

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