-
Country ranking ?
298
-
Producer ranking ?
9
-
Decanting time
4h
-
When to drink
2028-2050
-
Food Pairing
-
Food Pairing
Roasted venison, grilled rib-eye, salty cheeses
The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Close
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 (...
Close
BLEND: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
ALC: 13.7%
VINTAGE 2018 REPORT: December brought intense rains but they ended by January. Drenching spring storms saved the growing season. Though summer was foggy and cold, the vines received abundant sunshine and warmth that ripened the grapes by early October. Reduced pump-overs during fermentation helped moderate tannin extraction. Assembled by blind-taste,...
Close
Latest Pro-tasting notes
<10 tasting notes
Tasting note
color
Deep and Ruby red
ending
Long, Pure and Lingering
flavors
Blackcurrant, Mint, Cherry, Toasty, Mineral and Chocolate
nose
Youthful, Pure, Complex and Refined
taste
Average in Acidity, Balanced, Concentrated, Well-Integrated, Youthful, Full-bodied, Focused, Elegant, Fresh and Silky tannins
Verdict
Sophisticated and Fine
Written Notes
Very expressive, with warmed blueberry compote, menthol, sweet bay, steeped açaí and zesty sassafras notes all in the mix, carried by brambly grip and a cold cast iron spine. Late echo of mesquite completes this remarkably complex and vivid offering. Should be fun to watch this develop in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2042. – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 97p (August 2021)
Colour is ruby red and deep. On the nose it is youthful, open, pure, refined and complex. The taste is fragrant, focused, refined,robust, fresh, elegant, toasty, with silky tannins, and average in acidity, full-bodied, with concentrated, well-integrated, balanced, well-structured structure and youthful. On the palate it is layered and has chocolate, blackcurrant, spice, mineral, mint, cherry and toasty flavours. The finish is long, vibrant, pure and lingering. This wine is sophisticated and fine. Perfectly stored bottles are still very worthy and will last well for another 20-30 years and decant at least 2h before tasting.
Load more notes
Information
Origin
Cupertino, Santa Cruz
Grapes
17% Merlot
74% Cabernet Sauvignon
2% Cabernet Franc
7% Petit Verdot,
Drinking temperature
17-18C
Other wines from this producer
Buchignani Ranch Zinfandel
Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard
Estate Chardonnay
Estate Merlot
Fiddletown Zinfandel
Hearts Desire Selection Zinfandel
Lytton Springs Zinfandel
Monte Bello Merlot
Pagani Ranch Zinfandel
Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Ridge Geyserville
Ridge Mataro Bridgehead
Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon
Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay
Ridge York Creek Zinfandel
Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah Lytton Estate
Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyard
