To the CellarTracker holders of the 77 bottles still in cellars - time to drink! As I have just discovered, the words "Monte Bello" on the label don't automatically convey the capability to age. The ever-helpful Ridge bottle notes state this is a softer batch of Franc than what was put in the main Monte Bello. In any case, this is a joy to drink now. Rich Franc flavors, still a touch of acid and tannin. Really blossoms with 1 hour of air. This bottle was purchased at the winery and stored in a cool cellar ever since.
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Nice nose of cherries and litter box. Good currant flavor. Ho hum cabernet flavor. Overly acidic. Unexciting, forgettable finish. Unbalanced. Major disappointment. Terrible QPR. Major pass. Ridge ought to be a little embarassed to have their name on the bottle. I am glad that I didn't bring this out to share with guests. Easily beaten by other $10-$12 per bottle wines. No thunder here.
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Had with steaks last night. Good, dark fruits, wel-integrated oak, and a nice finish. nothing extraordinary yet, but this is probably still in its infancy.
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12/30/2020 - DBdeParis Likes this wine: 91 Points
To the CellarTracker holders of the 77 bottles still in cellars - time to drink! As I have just discovered, the words "Monte Bello" on the label don't automatically convey the capability to age. The ever-helpful Ridge bottle notes state this is a softer batch of Franc than what was put in the main Monte Bello. In any case, this is a joy to drink now. Rich Franc flavors, still a touch of acid and tannin. Really blossoms with 1 hour of air. This bottle was purchased at the winery and stored in a cool cellar ever since.
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5/19/2009 - winestem wrote: 91 Points
Cedary, brambly, with cherries. Probably still too young to drink, but I couldn't resist trying it.
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11/4/2008 - wpd wrote: 91 Points
Wow! This wine has evolved. Garnet color, cherries and currants on the palate. Medium long finish. Excellent wine.
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8/9/2007 - ChinonRouge wrote: 84 Points
Nice nose of cherries and litter box. Good currant flavor. Ho hum cabernet flavor. Overly acidic. Unexciting, forgettable finish. Unbalanced. Major disappointment. Terrible QPR. Major pass. Ridge ought to be a little embarassed to have their name on the bottle. I am glad that I didn't bring this out to share with guests. Easily beaten by other $10-$12 per bottle wines. No thunder here.
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6/25/2006 - winestem wrote: 90 Points
Had with steaks last night. Good, dark fruits, wel-integrated oak, and a nice finish. nothing extraordinary yet, but this is probably still in its infancy.
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