x
  • Country ranking ?

    472
  • Producer ranking ?

    37
  • Decanting time

    -
  • When to drink

    Now–2040
  • Food Pairing

    Hard cheeses & antipasti

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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: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

ALC: 12.7%

VINTAGE 1968 REPORT: Though picked at only slightly higher sugar content than the 1967 crop, the 1968 grapes from our fully mature Cabernet vineyard produced a wine even richer and fuller. We recommend to collectors that they consider not opening it, except for tasting and evaluation, until 1978 at the earliest.

 

PRESS:

Wine Spectator (June 2019): 96 Points. “The 1968 drinks like an old...

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Tasting note

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Written Notes

A pre-Draper wine that was famously slow to evolve. A bit funky on the nose – very much a 'natural' wine. I am transported to Terroirs near Trafalgar Square... It has some richness but did not taste nearly as pure as most other vintages in this line-up. Perhaps this is here to represent the 'before'.

  • 90p

This is an incredibly youthful red that is still vigourous and filled with black fruits. The tannins are firm and the acidity in the background still fresh and lively, lifting the ripe blackberry flavours to the fore. A beautifully aged 45 year old wine with a long finish! (93)

  • 93p
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Information

Origin

Cupertino, Santa Cruz

Grapes

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Drinking temperature

16-18C

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