Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Monte Bello 2022

Vintage: 2022

. Original price: . Final price: $86.99

Ridge Vineyards, a renowned winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, is celebrated for its exceptional Bordeaux-style blends. The Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Monte Bello is a testament to their expertise, crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with small percentages of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc adding complexity. The wine hails from the Monte Bello vineyard, known for its limestone-rich soils and cool climate, which contribute to the wine's elegance and structure. The winemaking process involves fermentation in small stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in American oak barrels, which imparts subtle vanilla and spice notes. This wine exhibits a rich flavor profile with layers of dark fruit, such as blackberry and cassis, complemented by firm tannins and a balanced acidity. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.

Professional Scores

97

Blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot, and lovingly referred to as Baby Monte Bello, designated as Monte Bello since the 2008 vintage, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Monte Bello Vineyard is known for its weightlessness, made to be approachable in its youth with great intention. Barrel-aged for 17 months in 50-60% new oak to integrate and soften the tannins, it still has another 15-20 years of aging, if not 25.

Jeb Dunnuck

90

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes all from the estate Monte Bello Vineyard on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, which is much warmer than the western side of the region. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot that was brought up in 55% new American oak, it has a bright and vibrant perfume of black plums, smoked herbs, darker chocolate, and vanilla-laced oak. It's firm, focused, and linear on the palate, with medium to full body, nicely integrated acidity, and building tannins. It should benefit from a year or two in the cellar, and I would enjoy bottles over the following decade.

Jeb Dunnuck

750ml