2021 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello
Grape
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot
Its Origins
Ridge Vineyards makes wines that compete in terms of quality and desirability with Bordeaux First Growths and Grand Cru White Burgundies. Winemaker Paul Draper has crafted 43 vintages at Ridge and his practical, hands-off, “pre-industrial” approach to winemaking has resulted in an exceptional and highly sought-after range of wines. Although a vineyard was first planted near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1885, it lay abandoned until four Stanford Research Institute engineers bought it in 1959. Ridge Vineyards was formed in 1962 and Paul Draper was appointed as winemaker in 1969. After stunning the world by their triumph in the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting, Ridge Vineyards shot to fame and gained cult status almost overnight. Since then, Ridge has concentrated on producing fine Bordeaux blends and Chardonnays from Monte Bello's exalted terroir as well as renowned Zinfandels from the Lytton Springs and Geyserville vineyards in Sonoma County.
What The Critics Say
100/100 James Suckling
"Tightly wound at this stage, the wine is massively concentrated, taut, yet trim and medium-bodied. Aged in 100% new oak, predominantly American, it offers espresso, blackberry, black cherry and vanilla bean flavors with a linear intensity and drive. Known to age and improve for several decades, this is one of California’s most collectible cabs and from a classic, age-worthy vintage. Best from 2031."
99/100 OwenBargreen.com
“A world-class wine from this vintage, the 2021 ‘Monte Bello’ combines 64% Cabernet Sauvignon with 31%Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. Beautiful dark rose petals combine with green bell pepper, cuban cigar, and wild blackberry. The palate is soft and seamless as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. A total head-turner, with tremendous mouthfeel, refined tannins and a light dusting of salinity, this beauty will cellar well for at least another twenty years to come. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year." Drink 2025 - 2050
97/100 Wine Enthusiast, Matt Kettmann
“This ageworthy classic is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this vintage. The nose offers focused aromas of blackberry, toasted herb and light caramel with a hint of cocoa dust. The firm, leathery palate feels like it will last forever, as waves of berry, herb, pepper, clove and pencil shavings flow on. Drink now-2045."
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2050 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
