"Every time I review Ridge's Estate Cab I think 'can youthful Cab really be more classic and elegant than this?' and then I move on to the Monte Bello and it is...once again I am struck by the light, fresh green blackcurrant-leaf notes, the perfectly balanced oak spice and the brooding black fruit. The tannins are smooth but building with fresh mouth-watering acidity and a long, evolving finish. It absolutely demands age but it's hard to imagine a more promising youthful Cab. (SCJ) (Drink between 2030-2050)" -Jancis Robinson, 17.5+JR
Is there a more iconic North American wine than Ridge’s Monte Bello? Established in 1885 by Italian immigrant Osea Perrone high in the Santa Cruz Mountain range, not only were they the first producer to show the benefits of 'mountain fruit" in Bordeaux varietals, but they firmly established themselves as American wine heroes at the 1976 Judgement of Paris (and again 30 years later in the 2006 re-tasting) where they placed first in a blind tasting of Bordeaux blends from all over the world. Mon Dieu! The Monte Bello is renowned for its incredible structure and aging potential, a testament to the decomposed limestone and Franciscan rock that lines the ridge, as it were. Whereas Napa's volcanic and alluvial soils tend to produce more dense and tannic wines, Ridge's limestone soils are higher in acid, acting as a balance for right fruit, much like Bordeaux's Right Bank.
Vintage2022 Varietal CompositionCabernet Sauvignon AppellationSanta Cruz Mountains Alcohol14.50% Volume750 ml Country of OriginUNITED STATES State of OriginCalifornia Sparkling WineNo
