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Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2021

Reviews

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.

98 -Decanter -

It's a journey. This wine offers high mountain pine bough, petrichor, and floral predominance of violet, high mountain lavender, and scrub. The palate is crisp and taut, with bright berries, blood orange and savoury mint. A true mountain wine with alpine herbs and wildflowers that lift deep fruit tones of blackberries, figs and muddled mint leaves. Leather, crushed stone and smoked cedar plank come together in America's most singular and iconic Cabernet Sauvignon.

97 -Wine Enthusiast -

97 -Vinous -

The 2021 Monte Bello is a top-tier wine from this reverential site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The blend contains quite a bit more Merlot than usual (31%), which is a reflection of reduced Cabernet yields stemming from the drought-riddled 2021 growing season. Broad, infinitely layered and rooted in deep spice tones, the 2021 opens with a forceful kick of wild blackberry and orange peel, delving deeper into complex layers of black olive, new leather, violet and sweet pipe tobacco. Surprisingly giving and undeniably fresh, the 2021 is precise, laser-focused and propulsive, stationing the midline of the palate with an army of well-honed tannins and culminating in a finish that seemingly never ends. This is everything Monte Bello should be.

96 -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -

2021 marks the start of a new era at Ridge, now under the stewardship of Trester Goetting and longtime Ridge veteran John Olney following the departure of veteran winemaker Eric Baugher. The 2021 Monte Bello is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot due to drought-induced low yields, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon. It is already assertive and polished on the nose, with aromas of cassis, dried tobacco, green peppercorn, mint and figs springing from the glass. The palate is suave and refined with electrifying energy and persistence, leading to a sophisticated finish of ripe black fruits and drying, layered stately tannins. Even in this embryonic stage, the perpetual pedigree of Monte Bello is here in spades; cellar for a decade and enjoy over the following two and beyond.

95 -Wine Spectator -

Technical Details

Blend 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot
Winemaker John Olney
Country US
Region California
Sub Region Central Coast
Appellation Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Monte Bello Ridge
Farming Method Organic
Oak 100% new oak barrels (90% American, 7% French, 3% Ozark).
Aging / Cooperage 17 months
Alcohol 13.5%

Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2021

Name: Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2021
Brand: First Bottle
SKU: 1010211
Price: 234.95 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Proprietary Blend | California

JS100, WE97, WA96, WS95

Organic

$350.00

$234.95

750ML

32% OFF RETAIL!

A benchmark in American Cabernet, the 2021 Ridge Monte Bello marries mountain-grown intensity with classic Bordeaux structure. Cassis, graphite, cedar, and tobacco notes unfold across a powerful yet refined palate. Built for decades of aging, this is California at its most timeless.

About The Producer

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge's production facility. At 2600', it is surrounded by the upper vineyard, now referred to as the Perrone Ranch.

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