RIDGE VINEYARDS Monte Bello Red - Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast 2024 WOODEN CASE x 3 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

Monte Bello 2024 is an exceptional wine produced under significantly straightforward conditions following the challenges of previous years. The winter rainy season provided ample moisture, resulting in vigorous vine growth and an above-average crop. Harvest began on September 6, marking one of the most compact harvesting seasons in three decades. The grapes, primarily whole berries, underwent a careful fermentation process with extraction through gentle pumpovers. Alex Hunt MW describes the embryonic wine as “arresting in symmetry, purity, and depth,” showcasing vivid floral-cassis aromas and a concentrated structure typical of classic Monte Bello. With a varietal breakdown of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, this wine promises decades of ageing potential.

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NO DRAMA IN THE VINEYARD – BUT PLENTY IN THE WINE!
After the drought of 2020-22 and the nail-bitingly long growing season of 2023, this year the team at Monte Bello enjoyed significantly more straightforward conditions. The winter rainy season began in early November and then ramped up through the end of the year. By mid-February, Monte Bello had received 890mm of rainfall. A late rain in May of around 40mm pushed the total to over 1,150mm. With so much welcome moisture in the soil, the vines grew vigorously, creating a full canopy and an above-average crop. However, cool spring weather delayed fruit set and when summer temperatures remained in the moderate range, a late start to harvest seemed likely. Fortunately, a strong inversion layer, which kept nighttime and mornings relatively warm, was present for most of July and August. This kept the ripening process moving forward, and on September 6 harvest began at the Perrone Gate Block. Picking then continued steadily; four weeks later it was over, making 2024 one of the most compact harvests at Monte Bello in the last thirty years. The grapes were destemmed but not crushed, leaving predominantly whole berries to begin fermentation. Extraction was achieved through twice daily pumpovers, but a lower than usual fermentation temperature was chosen to offset the naturally high polyphenol content. Our purchasing director, Alex Hunt MW, tasted the embryonic wine from barrel after the first assemblage in February, and found “a wine of arresting symmetry, purity and depth. Even at this early stage it has the unmistakable signature of classic Monte Bello: vivid floral-cassis aromas allied to a seamless yet concentrated structure that will support decades of ageing with true first-growth poise.”

BLENDING NOTES
By the end of January, the majority of the fifty-four 2024 Monte Bello lots were finished with primary and malolactic fermentations and ready to assess at the Monte Bello first assemblage. After the first round of tasting, seven blocks stood out as clear favourites, and formed the base Monte Bello blend. Tasting then continued in which the choice was narrowed down to 21 remaining lots, 16 of which were selected to include in the 2024 Monte Bello. In the last week of April, the Production and Vineyard teams met again, this time for the 2024 Monte Bello second assemblage. There were five remaining component wines to consider: three Cabernets from the Torre Ranch, one Cabernet from Klein, and one Merlot from Klein. There was a clear consensus that two of the Torre wines—the Old Vines and Cliff blocks—as well as the Cabernet lot from the Klein Upper block added depth and structure. These wines were therefore blended into the ’24 Monte Bello during recent racking, thus finalising the wine that will now spend twelve more months in barrel prior to bottling next year. These additional lots bring the varietal breakdown to 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.



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ABOUT RIDGE VINEYARDS
Ridge Vineyards is a distinguished winery located in California, recognized for its premium wines and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Established in 1962, Ridge is particularly noted for its exceptional Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its innovative winemaking techniques.

The winery has two main estate vineyards: Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Lytton Springs in Sonoma County. Both locations are celebrated for their unique terroirs and climate, which play a crucial role in the quality of the grapes.

Ridge specializes in Zinfandel but also produces a variety of other varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and various blends. Their Zinfandels are especially known for their depth and complexity.

Ridge Vineyards places a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture, employing organic and dry-farming techniques that minimize water usage and enhance the wines' natural flavors. The winery follows a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the characteristics of both the fruit and the terroir to shine through, with an emphasis on natural fermentation and aging in oak barrels.

The wines from Ridge have earned numerous awards and accolades from critics, often highlighted for their quality and aging potential. The Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon is frequently recognized as one of California's top wines.

Founded by a group of friends, including winemaker Paul Draper, Ridge has established a reputation in the wine industry, with Draper's influence continuing to reflect the winery's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Ridge Vineyards remains a leading name in California's wine scene, known for its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and a rich winemaking heritage.
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Terms and Conditions
Ordering - Please place your order by return email.
Offer - Subject to availability
Delivery – 2026
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