RIDGE VINEYARDS Monte Bello Red - Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, Central Coast 2019 Bottle

Description

Ridge Monte Bello 2019 is an extraordinary expression that has received remarkable acclaim, including 97-100 points from Vinous and 99 points from James Suckling. This vibrant and powerful wine is deep and pulsating with energy, showcasing superb fruit density and a mid-weight structure. The nose presents enticing aromas of currants, blackberry, black liquorice, and hints of smoked meat and mint. On the palate, it reveals captivating umami notes alongside flavours of roasted plum and mesquite, with impressively polished tannins that linger. The wine maintains a poised elegance with refreshing acidity, leading to a graceful finish. This outstanding iteration of Monte Bello is a true testament to exceptional terroir and craftsmanship, promising to evolve beautifully over the years.

*****

VINOUS (97-100) points
From: Santa Cruz Mountains: Wines of Breathtaking Pedigree (Sep 2020)
The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic. - By Antonio Galloni on September 2020

JAMES SUCKLING 99 points
This is a very powerful Monte Bello with currants and blackberry, black licorice and smoked meat. Mint. Some sesame seed, too. It's full-bodied with incredible darkness and saltiness like volcanic salt. Umami. Grilled seaweed. Flavorful and captivating. It goes on for minutes. Try after 2025, but this may age forever.
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 97 points
Drink Date: 2029 - 2064
The 2019 Monte Bello includes 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It has a poised, graceful nose of fresh sage and lilac with savory, meaty aromas in the background. The palate is medium-bodied but with admirable stuffing and concentration, leading to a springboard finish of pencil lead, gravel and pleasing, refreshing acidity. The standard élevage in new American oak is still years away from fully integrating, as evidenced in the herbal, upright but pleasant posture of the finish. This is a confidently elegant, high-toned iteration of this iconic wine that should drink and develop beautifully over the next three decades. - Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy

WINE ENTHUSIAST 98 points
Rich and smoky on the nose, this famed estate Cabernet Sauvignon is enhanced with 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc,. Aromas of roasted plum, mesquite, sandalwood and frankincense show on the nose. Impressively polished tannins consume the palate, where roasted berry, black plum and toasted coffee flavors linger long. Drink now–2039. — Matt Kettmann

JANCIS ROBINSON 18 points
Shaded garnet with a blackish tinge. Relatively mineral nose – less emphatic than the 2020. High toned and ethereal. Herbal notes and real lift. Very much sui generis. Not remotely like a red bordeaux and so much drier than any California Cabernet from further north. Very aromatic. This may be relatively more approachable than the 2020. In all, a lighter-weight Monte Bello than many. Very refreshing, lingering finish with, again, a stony, mineral impression. (JR)

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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.