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  • Country ranking ?

    384
  • Producer ranking ?

    19
  • Decanting time

    2h
  • When to drink

    now to 2030
  • Food Pairing

    Spanish Lamb with Rosemary

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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: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

ALC: 13.5%

VINTAGE 2006 REPORT: 

Rainfall: 42 inches (slightly above average)
Bloom: Early June
Weather: Moderate summer and fall, with some light rain toward the end of harvest.

Winter was wet and cold through April, but May’s warm weather let the vines set a full crop. Summer was unusually warm; picking began on September 18, ahead of schedule. Thoug...

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Tasting note

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Written Notes

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, bottled May 2008. Though a cool October slowed ripening, all parcels were harvested within five weeks, and natural yeasts started the primary within three days. Those first fermentations alerted us to how rapidly colour and tannin were being extracted. We reduced pumpovers, and pressed at day 10. Uninoculated secondary began in tank; 80% of the 36 lots were racked to barrel for completion. 13 were selected for the first assemblage in late January. Four intense Cabernet lots required egg-white fining to soften tannins. Additions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc contributed depth. 
Dark black cherry colour and almost a little purple at the rim. Similar aromas to the Santa Cruz 2006 but more fragrant still. There's some sweet oak (I hadn't even thought of oak up to this point, which shows how much of a support role it plays). Has red and black fruit, a hint of liquorice and a little peppery. So pure. Deep and concentrated with purity and density and yet light on its feet. The tannins are so supple they slide across the palate, even though the structure is tight and very firm – but it's lithe. Amazing to have such dense tannins with no astringency. With time, a touch of coffee. Succulent fruit even with all that ripe tannins.  (JH) 

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Information

Origin

Cupertino, Santa Cruz

Grapes

20% Merlot
68% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Petit Verdot
2% Cabernet Franc

Vintage Quality

Excellent

Drinking temperature

17-18C

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