MVery fruity and juicy on opening, almost simple and disappointing but opened over an hour to reveal a nose of volcanic ash, underbrush and a little dried cranberry. The flavors were a little less complex than we’ve come to expect from Santa Cruz Mtns, crunchy blackberry, drying tannins and a bit of saddle leather. Dried up on the palate and didn’t show a lot of length on the finish. I think the 2 year window from Vinous is probably right. The capsule was pushed up a little and the cork came out really easily but I didn’t sense any type of contamination despite appearances. I had a corked bottle a few years ago replaced by Ridge so I’m suspect of all the 2004 corks.
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Consumed at a dinner amongst several other excellent wines, the Monte Bello made a strong showing. This was the ideal wine to transition from the Bordeaux served immediately prior, to California, as it really does appear to have a foot in both worlds. California ripeness with old world character. Excellent wine in a great place right now. While I'm sure this can go much longer, it's drinking beautifully now.
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(Ridge Monte Bello) Nice cassis and berry nose with a mint note; tasty, berry and cassis palate with a mint note and sweet tannins; medium finish 90+ pts.
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3/2/2024 - KenK Likes this wine: 94 Points
Impressive showing tonight, beautiful dark Rich blackberry fruits with savory spices and well balanced backbone. This was singing. In a great spot.
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2/29/2024 - CHarder Likes this wine: 95 Points
Absolutely stunning. Mature, fresh, fruit, light on its feet. Drink now-10yrs
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10/9/2023 - guitarguy wrote: 94 Points
MVery fruity and juicy on opening, almost simple and disappointing but opened over an hour to reveal a nose of volcanic ash, underbrush and a little dried cranberry. The flavors were a little less complex than we’ve come to expect from Santa Cruz Mtns, crunchy blackberry, drying tannins and a bit of saddle leather. Dried up on the palate and didn’t show a lot of length on the finish. I think the 2 year window from Vinous is probably right. The capsule was pushed up a little and the cork came out really easily but I didn’t sense any type of contamination despite appearances. I had a corked bottle a few years ago replaced by Ridge so I’m suspect of all the 2004 corks.
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8/28/2023 - GiovanniRossi wrote:
Perfect
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6/9/2023 - sleepyhaus wrote:
Consumed at a dinner amongst several other excellent wines, the Monte Bello made a strong showing. This was the ideal wine to transition from the Bordeaux served immediately prior, to California, as it really does appear to have a foot in both worlds. California ripeness with old world character. Excellent wine in a great place right now. While I'm sure this can go much longer, it's drinking beautifully now.
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