Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Blend

9.367 ratings
9.320 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Salami & Prosciutto, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Herbs, Chicken, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Soft Cheese, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck
Top Notes For
Ron R
9.6

WNH NY, 2021.
From magnum.
The morning after the sausage-making the night before. The sausages were great during consumption (so-to-speak), but when you wake up, you see how the sausages were made!
Personally, I’ve never had a bad bottle of Ridge, and this example followed that pattern. Tilts much more towards a Bdx in terms of its style and personality. Black plums, currants and a hint of soft tobacco present on the nose and palate. Medium weight, with moderate tannins, but brighter acidity than I expected. Out of a magnum, this needs more time, but presented beautifully tonight.
A great gift from
@Shay A’s cellar - thanks bud!

WNH NY, 2021.
From magnum.
The morning after the sausage-making the night before. The sausages were great during consumption (so-to-speak), but when you wake up, you see how the sausages were made!
Personally, I’ve never had a bad bottle of Ridge, and this example followed that pattern. Tilts much more towards a Bdx in terms of its style and personality. Black plums, currants and a hint of soft tobacco present on the nose and palate. Medium weight, with moderate tannins, but brighter acidity than I expected. Out of a magnum, this needs more time, but presented beautifully tonight.
A great gift from
@Shay A’s cellar - thanks bud!

Oct 3rd, 2021
Robert McCall

Wow. This is still very youthful by most standards. Berry pie, mild oak, floral, herbal note. Silky smooth tannin leads the way to rich dark fruit and spice/cracked pepper. Good lengthy finish too. Still bright and brooding at 10 years old. Better than anticipated.

Wow. This is still very youthful by most standards. Berry pie, mild oak, floral, herbal note. Silky smooth tannin leads the way to rich dark fruit and spice/cracked pepper. Good lengthy finish too. Still bright and brooding at 10 years old. Better than anticipated.

Feb 9th, 2020
mattswineworld

Still young and tannic, with lots of ripe black fruits. Great Cali Cabernet.

Still young and tannic, with lots of ripe black fruits. Great Cali Cabernet.

Dec 26th, 2015
Michael Meagher MS

Chairman/Founder Boston Sommelier Society, Beverage Director Cafe Escadrille

9.5

Like seeing an old friend. First winery I ever visited (I was 5), and is always one of my favorite places to visit. Wines are better than ever and Paul Draper is simply a legend.

Like seeing an old friend. First winery I ever visited (I was 5), and is always one of my favorite places to visit. Wines are better than ever and Paul Draper is simply a legend.

Jul 27th, 2015
Gustavo Martin

One of my californian favorites cellars! Beautiful Cabernet...

One of my californian favorites cellars! Beautiful Cabernet...

Oct 9th, 2014
Max Reichwage

Junior varsity monte bello deliciousness

Junior varsity monte bello deliciousness

Sep 3rd, 2014
Martin Redmond

What's a #CabernetDay without some @RidgeVineyards Cab?!

What's a #CabernetDay without some @RidgeVineyards Cab?!

Aug 29th, 2014
Will Stanley

Ahhh just sublime.

Ahhh just sublime.

Jun 15th, 2014
Will Stanley

Fuckkkk, serious cabernet. Glad I've finally tried it!! As complex as any Bordeaux I've ever had. Wonderful.

Fuckkkk, serious cabernet. Glad I've finally tried it!! As complex as any Bordeaux I've ever had. Wonderful.

Jan 24th, 2014
Martin Redmond

What a great wine to drink while you're waiting on Monte Bello. Charming, balanced, and a good value!

What a great wine to drink while you're waiting on Monte Bello. Charming, balanced, and a good value!

Jan 4th, 2014