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  • Country ranking ?

    399
  • Producer ranking ?

    24
  • Decanting time

    15min
  • When to drink

    Now
  • Food Pairing

    Hare ragu & Roasted wild boar

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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: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot

ALC: 13.6%

VINTAGE 1978 REPORT: The very warm fall of 1978 did not seriously affect the slow ripening on our cool ridge. The lower vineyards contributed intense character and the upper provided acidity and fruit. The wine went through a natural melolactic and twenty months in small oak cooperage and then late in its second year was lightly fined with fresh egg whites. This excellent vintage is qui...

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Tasting note

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Written Notes

Mid ruby with some development at the rim. Rather more fragile nose than the 1970 but very beguiling indeed. Sweet and rich – less austere than the 1970. Very rich. Much sweeter than the 1970. More friendly. There was a little bit of Merlot in the blend. Luscious and great balance with a little, very little, rusty nail character.

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Information

Origin

Cupertino, Santa Cruz

Grapes

6% Merlot
94% Cabernet Sauvignon

Drinking temperature

16-18C

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