Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Merlot

9.187 ratings
9.014 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

On the nose, ripe, slightly syrupy quality of; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blueberry pie, baking spices and dark floral bouquet. M tannins, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blue fruits, boysenberries, light dry crushed rock earthiness, sap, mint, violets, fresh dark florals, black cherry cola, touch of black licorice, round fresh fruit with vey high acidity...a little too high. Already drinking nicely. Fresh and drinks smoothly...14 was a drought vintage at this site. Photos of one of their vineyards, Winemaker Eric Baugher who is hosting our tasting and beautiful Ridge grape cluster. 13.8% alcohol.

On the nose, ripe, slightly syrupy quality of; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blueberry pie, baking spices and dark floral bouquet. M tannins, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blue fruits, boysenberries, light dry crushed rock earthiness, sap, mint, violets, fresh dark florals, black cherry cola, touch of black licorice, round fresh fruit with vey high acidity...a little too high. Already drinking nicely. Fresh and drinks smoothly...14 was a drought vintage at this site. Photos of one of their vineyards, Winemaker Eric Baugher who is hosting our tasting and beautiful Ridge grape cluster. 13.8% alcohol.

1 person found it helpfulJun 3rd, 2017
Geoff Troup

Sales Eder Brothers, Cellar Fine Wines

9.4

Wow this is superlative stuff. Beautifully expressive old world nose. Abundant raisin, acid more prominent on the palate, plum, flowers, call me nuts but kind of reminds me of young nebbiolo​? Petroleum, cola finish. Quite a marriage of opposing flavor profiles. Great fluidity and vision.

Wow this is superlative stuff. Beautifully expressive old world nose. Abundant raisin, acid more prominent on the palate, plum, flowers, call me nuts but kind of reminds me of young nebbiolo​? Petroleum, cola finish. Quite a marriage of opposing flavor profiles. Great fluidity and vision.

Jun 9th, 2017
Renato Hoyle

Smooth. Drink now or hold

Smooth. Drink now or hold

Apr 3rd, 2017
Lee Lightfoot

Very approachable red fruit, soft tannins and mouth watering acidity.

Very approachable red fruit, soft tannins and mouth watering acidity.

Jun 4th, 2016
Dave Smigielski

Thoroughly impressed with this merlot. Balanced oak with cherry.

Thoroughly impressed with this merlot. Balanced oak with cherry.

Apr 10th, 2016
Levi Glenn

Have had so many wines from Ridge over the years, but have never had their Merlot until now. Lots of the signature new American oak, which would likely be tamed with 8-10 years of cellar time. I just don't have that time. Hold on to it folks.

Have had so many wines from Ridge over the years, but have never had their Merlot until now. Lots of the signature new American oak, which would likely be tamed with 8-10 years of cellar time. I just don't have that time. Hold on to it folks.

Mar 10th, 2016
Mark Fornatale

Super minerality. Very restrained

Super minerality. Very restrained

Jul 22nd, 2014
Kaito Kikuchi

Drier than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps more of a clear taste

Drier than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps more of a clear taste

Dec 20th, 2023
Michael Duffy

Wonderful. Like Bordeaux. Herbaceous, generous, lifted.

Wonderful. Like Bordeaux. Herbaceous, generous, lifted.

Aug 1st, 2022
Kamall

Lovely restrained merlot.

Lovely restrained merlot.

Jun 2nd, 2022