Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.451 ratings
9.49 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
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, Blue Cheese, Onion
Top Notes For
Bill Bender

Still drinking extremely young. Impeccably well made wine that needs air for optimum drinking.

Still drinking extremely young. Impeccably well made wine that needs air for optimum drinking.

Apr 10th, 2018
Palmer Emmitt

Owner/Winemaker Judge Palmer

9.4

I think my first Monte Bello and it does not disappoint. A very charming wine with an intriguing tomato component backed up by tons of cassis - "classic" California Cab. Great structure and for me in its prime right now (from half bottle).

I think my first Monte Bello and it does not disappoint. A very charming wine with an intriguing tomato component backed up by tons of cassis - "classic" California Cab. Great structure and for me in its prime right now (from half bottle).

Jun 17th, 2017
BurgundyFan

In a magnum format, this 2002 had very little signs of maturing but it was delicious, fresh, the crispy nose is something amazing in Montbello

In a magnum format, this 2002 had very little signs of maturing but it was delicious, fresh, the crispy nose is something amazing in Montbello

Dec 25th, 2015
Loren Grossman

Vintner Wilde Farm Wines

9.5

From Magnum. 😍

From Magnum. 😍

Jul 11th, 2015
Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.9

The California first growth delivers the goods! This 2002 mag had so much power and cassis impact without becoming heavy- on the contrary it was super refreshing. This beat Bordeaux at its own game with Kobe Fred steak after 2 hours in the decanter.

The California first growth delivers the goods! This 2002 mag had so much power and cassis impact without becoming heavy- on the contrary it was super refreshing. This beat Bordeaux at its own game with Kobe Fred steak after 2 hours in the decanter.

Jun 8th, 2015
Ryan Zepaltas

Owner/Winemaker Zepaltas Wines

8.7

Awesome fruit, anise, med tannins, smoothed out with some air, no decant, really flat structure in middle palate made this wine somewhat of a disappointment. Day 2, had the last glass from bottle showed better than day one oddly enough

Awesome fruit, anise, med tannins, smoothed out with some air, no decant, really flat structure in middle palate made this wine somewhat of a disappointment. Day 2, had the last glass from bottle showed better than day one oddly enough

May 11th, 2013
Tom Garland

45 min decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable medium garnet color with bricking. On the nose: beautiful perfumed notes burst from the glass with sour cherry, mint, dusty earth, currants, wet cedar, green bell pepper....could sniff all night! Taste: soft and round, smooth, elegant wine with raspberry, cedar, currants, musky earth, and a nice dark chocolate cherry finish. YUM! A wine that has hit its stride over the past few years with time to go.

45 min decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable medium garnet color with bricking. On the nose: beautiful perfumed notes burst from the glass with sour cherry, mint, dusty earth, currants, wet cedar, green bell pepper....could sniff all night! Taste: soft and round, smooth, elegant wine with raspberry, cedar, currants, musky earth, and a nice dark chocolate cherry finish. YUM! A wine that has hit its stride over the past few years with time to go.

Nov 27th, 2022
leon egozi

NY Wine Spectator Event- always awesome!

NY Wine Spectator Event- always awesome!

Oct 23rd, 2022
Carter White

Soft and supple, almost velvety, featuring a core of red and black fruit, great purity, with touches of leather, herbs, and spice. Nice length, refined.

Soft and supple, almost velvety, featuring a core of red and black fruit, great purity, with touches of leather, herbs, and spice. Nice length, refined.

Jan 3rd, 2022
Tom Garland

1 hour decant(some fine sediment). A remarkable dark purplish garnet color with a little bricking. On the nose: that sweet aged cab perfume, creme brulee, raspberry, mint, earth, and spice. Taste: A creamy, soft, medium plus body wine with cedar, raspberry, dark chocolate, and a cherry mineral long finish. Rocking its drinking window ready to go years. Cheers!

1 hour decant(some fine sediment). A remarkable dark purplish garnet color with a little bricking. On the nose: that sweet aged cab perfume, creme brulee, raspberry, mint, earth, and spice. Taste: A creamy, soft, medium plus body wine with cedar, raspberry, dark chocolate, and a cherry mineral long finish. Rocking its drinking window ready to go years. Cheers!

May 31st, 2021