Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – 2023
Bates Ranch · Fellom Ranch · Monte Bello · Vidovich Vineyards – Santa Cruz Mountains – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A beautifully balanced mountain Cabernet blend with a composition of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot that showcases Ridge’s signature restraint. The 2023 vintage delivers intensity without excess, deep, structured fruit framed by refreshing acidity and lifted aromatics. A wonderfully clear expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ cool-climate character.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, plum, and wild blackberry layered with graphite, cedar, dried sage, and faint tobacco leaf. Hints of violet, cocoa, and mountain herbs add nuance as it opens.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with refined tannins, bright natural acidity, and a mineral-driven core. Concentrated yet composed, power without heaviness. The finish is long, savory, and clean.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, rosemary lamb, roasted mushrooms, beef tenderloin, or aged cheeses like Comté or Cheddar.

Verdict
A lovely, balanced, and quietly intense Cabernet that delivers depth without going over the top. This is classic Ridge, mountain purity, elegance, and quiet power.

Did You Know?
Ridge sources this wine from four historic high-elevation vineyards, Bates, Fellom, Monte Bello, and Vidovich, all influenced by ocean-cooled nights and fractured limestone soils. These sites consistently produce Cabernets with structure and freshness uncommon in California. — 7 months ago

Kamall

9.0

Mid weight, restrained but with that spicy Santa Cruz Cab element. Reminds me of Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch — 2 years ago

Josh Eichorn

9.1

Indicative of the region, a well-made Cabernet from one of Ridge's closest neighbors. Excellent color, deep purple with little fade. Oak is strong in the nose at first, but blows off quickly. Still has good, assertive fruit raspberry with a hint of darker fruit and understated briar (typical of the region). Surprisingly pleasing on the palate with more fruit than expected. Strong, bordering on rustic tannins and good acid. Not as elegant as some Santa Cruz mountains wines, and could be a little better balanced (slightly over-oaked), but an extremely pleasing wine and a good representation of the region and what it can be like with some time on it. — 13 years ago

Robin Gerber

Partner Spotlight Brands

9.5

Tried this vintage a year ago and it was really good but tonight is in its prime. Sad it’s my last bottle. — 6 years ago