"The 2023 Monte Bello is the definition of classicism across every metric, seamlessly fusing a slow-moving, even-keeled profile with an enviable combination of charm, assertion and effortlessness. The nose opens with a perfect melange of red and black berries, framed by classically informed toasted, herbal and graphite flourishes, along with youthful vanilla undertones that meld with floral notes after aeration. The palate is simultaneously seamless, supple, juicy and firm, before moving into a long finish that is expansive yet expertly controlled, riding on a chassis of ultra-refined, chalky tannins. I had one bottle open for multiple days and saw nothing but an upward trajectory, with notable oak integration relative to its first-day showing. Additionally, I retasted the wine out of magnum in the context of a vertical spanning back to 1971, which only solidified my belief that this could prove to be one of the all-time greatest iterations of Monte Bello. It will be worth cellaring for a decade, at minimum, and should drink beautifully for at least the next three after that. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, and the wine achieved 13.2% natural alcohol. (drink 2035-2065)" -Wine Advocate, 99WA
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.
Vintage2023 Varietal Composition89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot AppellationSanta Cruz Mountains Alcohol13.50% Volume750 ml Country of OriginUNITED STATES State of OriginCalifornia Sparkling WineNo
