RIDGE VINEYARDS Monte Bello Red - Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, Central Coast 2019 Bottle - NO DISCOUNT

Description

THE WINE ADVOCATE RP 97
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

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.