2007 Ridge Monte Bello
Community Tasting Note
John Dunlap wrote:
Sunday, October 24, 2010 - Vertical Monte Bello tasting at winery consisting of 2007, 1994, 1992, and 1991 vintages; all from 375ml formats. The 2007 was good followed by a fine 1992 and 1994. The 1991 was exceptional.
“Moderate summer/fall, long cool growing season…. October was wet and wintery, but on the 23rd temperatures rebounded. Harvest October 8, 2007 through November 8, 2007." The 2007 blend was 79 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, ten percent Merlot, nine percent Petite Verdot, and two percent Cabernet Franc. I thought the Petite Verdot was outstanding at the assemblage tasting and was surprised that a higher percentage did not make the final blend, but blending is an art unto itself.
Detailed notes on the color were limited due to the lighting in the tasting room, but the color was dark and appeared sound. The nose was appealing with elements of dark cherry, mulberry and subtle floral notes at the end. The palate had elements of dark fruit – cassis and mulberry mostly - along with leather and very light high-notes of menthol and perhaps peony. (The high notes at the end were very subtle and quite interesting and in no way were over the top.) I also noted earthy elements of iron and wet redwood, which I attribute to the tannins. Quite balanced and complex. The nose of the 2007 did not blossom and reveal an amazaing cigar box note like the 1991, so the older wine gets the nod for first place – perhaps bottle age makes a difference.
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