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Country ranking ?
239
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Producer ranking ?
3
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Decanting time
-
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When to drink
Now
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Food Pairing
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Food Pairing
Rabbit rillette, cold smoked deer
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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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BLEND: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
ALC: 12.9%
VINTAGE 1974 REPORT: In the superb harvest of 1974, both the seven and the thirty-year-old vines matured fully and gave us a wine with the richness and complexity of a great vintage. The secondary fermentation was complete by that December and the wine was racked to small oak cooperage. This intense Cabernet will be showing considerable depth by next fall, but should have five to ten years of bot...
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Latest Pro-tasting notes
<10 tasting notes
Tasting note
color
Medium, Ruby red and Dark
ending
Long, Extensive and Lingering
flavors
Blackcurrant, Toasty and Meaty
nose
Intense, Seductive and Generous
recommend
Yes
taste
High alcohol content, Medium tannin, Balanced, Well-structured, Complex, Full-bodied, Fruity and Silky tannins
Verdict
Well-rounded and Impressive
Written Notes
This is still not ready! But the underlying beauty is spellbinding. This is a landmark wine, made entirely from the original 1940 plantings. Aromatic blackcurrants and violets prance on the bouquet. On the palate, cherries and raspberries consort amidst the silky texture and gorgeously cushioning tannins. Tart plums and cassis next. Superb acidity and tension, red berries abound on the vigorous finish. Controlled opulence is the anthem, and when a tad more extroversion hits, this will be heading towards the celestial. 97 Points+
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Information
Origin
Cupertino, Santa Cruz
Grapes
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking temperature
17-18C
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