RIDGE VINEYARDS 'Estate' Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 CASE x 6 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

The Monte Bello vineyard was first planted in 1886, with the inaugural vintage released in 1892. While portions of the vineyard were abandoned in the early 20th century, key Cabernet Sauvignon blocks replanted in the late 1940s became the foundation for the first Ridge Monte Bello in 1962. As more parcels were restored, certain lots consistently produced a more approachable style, leading to a separate bottling initially labelled “Santa Cruz Mountains.” Since 2008, this cuvée has been designated Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, highlighting its Monte Bello origin and distinct character.

The 2023 vintage began with heavy winter rainfall that replenished soils and ended the drought. Cool temperatures persisted throughout the season, significantly extending ripening and pushing harvest into mid-November. Extended fermentations helped achieve optimal colour and tannin integration.

The most accessible Monte Bello parcels were selected for this wine, which was aged for twenty-one months in American oak. Structured yet supple, it will show beautifully over the next decade.

Hand-harvested fruit was destemmed, sorted, and fermented as whole berries on native yeasts before completing full malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 100% American oak (55% new), with only the minimum effective sulphur used in keeping with Ridge’s minimal-intervention approach.

Deep ruby in colour, the 2023 Estate Cabernet offers aromas of toasty oak and blackberry. The full-bodied palate is structured and vibrant, showing firm tannins, bright acidity and notes of mint on the long, refined finish. This is a poised and expressive Cabernet that captures the mountain freshness, depth and classical structure of the Monte Bello Estate.

13.4% abv
75% Cabernet Sauvignon 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot


*****

DECANTER: 95 Points
“Classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a cool vintage in a very cool site, and at Montebello this harvest finished in the middle of November. It has all the timeless notes of California mountain herbals, bay leaf, eucalyptis and manzantia and purple sage. It’s intensely focused, and the tannins are prominent. But elegance is the watchword here. Woodland berries, and sumac with white pepper and a glimpse of lemon zest. Brilliant.” - Clive Pursehouse (February 2026)

*****

The history of the Ridge Three Valleys began with the release of the 2001 vintage. The wine contains grapes from a number of Sonoma vineyards—this year, ten. We take great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested, then crushed and fermented on its native yeast and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs wineries. Unlike our single-vineyard wines, which reflect the distinctive character of each site, Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards—winemaking—at its finest. Zinfandel determines the wine’s varietal character; old-vine carignane contributes bright fruit and acidity; petite sirah spice, depth of color, and firm tannins.

Since its inception, Ridge has focused on single-vineyard wines. Rather than reflecting a single vineyard, Three Valleys showcases the complexity of Sonoma’s diverse terroirs. A cool spring and warm summer led to a balanced, expressive wine, crafted from a range of grape varieties. Enjoyable now, this wine will continue to develop over the next five years. SR (4/25)

Nose of black raspberry, licorice and cedar. Medium bodied with balanced acidity. Flavors of black tea, cherry and French vanilla. SR (12/25)

*****

VINOUS: 93 Points
“The 2024 Three Valleys is darker and richer than its typical self. Mocha, wild blackberry, lavender and chalk settle in with real density and breadth. It’s a wine that overdelivers at every turn, impressing with ample freshness and a sense of quiet gravitas. Just beautiful.” -Billy Norris (January 2026)

*****

Terms and Conditions
Offer - Subject to availability.
Delivery – Late 2026/Early 2027.
Prices - Include Freight, Duty & GST.
Storage - On arrival into Jersey Free Storage until 30th April 2027.
Payment - Goods will be invoiced on receipt of order. Payment as per our normal T&Cs.
Disclaimer - Prices of wine and spirits can go up or down. We are not liable for any losses incurred should any wine decrease in value from date of purchase.
E&OE - Errors & Omissions Excepted.