Deep ruby to deep purple, slightly musty on the nose with black raspberry, alcohol, and cranberry, followed by wet stone, earth, and mint, all tightly wound, tight but—somehow—lush on the palate with dark berry fruit, black plum, strong acidity, streaks of minerality, and firm tannins, finish is dominated by black tea, tangy acidity, dark berry fruits, cherry, earth, vanilla, coconut, menthol, and more
Note: 10 years on and the tannins are still pretty fierce, even for mountain fruit, not sure it will ever totally settle down but those who like dark, tight cabs, this one's for you
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Opened this on a whim as a “special bottle” to share with a good friend we’re hosting. Pretty quick decant say ~30min. Wow the nose was amazing, so complex. And then silky smooth on the palate with eucalyptus, currant, slight oak, tobacco. Tannins there in the background but not overwhelming at all. This was a beauty. Of course can go much longer but this was drinking great now by my tastes.
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Delicious. While still very youthful, this has an amazing bouquet and some early maturity notes of sweet green Virginia tobacco and anise. Long finish. Paired great with a Wagyu smash burger.
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Complex, balanced, with Goldilocks tannin (“just right”). We savored the beautiful nose before sipping. Chocolate & dark fruit on the front of the pallet, a dryness developed mid range, with an elegantly subtle finish. I’m glad I have one more of these beauties.
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Perfect aging — layers of cherries, chocolate, and oak. Perfect balance on the palate of fruit, acidity, and tannins. Elegant finish that’s makes you savor every sip.
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Superbly cool deep dark fruit. Dense and plush but not over ripe, just superb. Just the right balance in style between bordeaux and Napa. No fruit bomb here. Drinking well now, especially after an hours air, but clearly has a lot to unfurl.
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Good lordy. An early tasting based on the fact that both the 08 and the 10 have been a point recently, and we were drinking a few other Ridge 14s so it seemed like a fun chance to try. Such density, poise. This is clearly very young, and I won't broach another bottle for a couple of years yet, but it's all there - really top stuff.
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Double decanted for group of six. Still young and tight. Dark fruit flavors with a very good fruit structure balance. Thinking this will be a long lived wine for a MB.
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Early peak into a beautiful wine. Incredible tension and balance preview a long life for this wine. Combination of sweet oak, smooth tannins, spice and black fruit are simply enchanting. High acidity of this mountain cab differentiates the Monte Bello. Curtain still to fully unfurl on the complexity with this wine
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Way more integrated on the tongue. Really good. Doesn’t need food - ripe fruit, plum and blackberry, maybe orange zest? still that hint of rubber cement. Attributes: Good on balance, complexity, length, intensity; great on beauty. Whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Delicious now but will get better for a while.
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Solid red color, earthy robust nose og mature berries and cask. Taste does not fully match its nose, probably too young for that, but nice berry-youghurt top-level americana. Splendid wine, just give it a few more years.
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Napa 2023: the quieter version; 2/6/2023-2/11/2023 (Napa/Sonoma California): Very soft and gentle. Darker fruits and light in style. I always love Monte Bello giving it the benefit of the doubt this is probably in a slightly dumb phase. With some time you get more darker fruits and a bit more spice. From ‘13 onward this wine has become a more cab dominated because of newer plantings that are more skewed towards cab. This is one of those earlier years of that.
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12/31/2022 drank with a nice chateaubriand on NYE. Disappointing. 2 hour decant, some settled sediment, red throughout, but very thin, hollow, and lifeless. Not corked, not oxidized, but not very good and very atypical for a MB. Had been stored at 55 throughout, so dunno what went wrong. Still holding out hope for the other bottle in a few years...
The wine sat 4 hours in an open bottle. A more extensive decant might have contributed to a better performance. Appealing red berry fruit, fresh tree bark. Gets more balsamic aromas with time Firm tannins and tree bark with balsamic notes in the mouth do not go well together. There is hot alcohol with more time in the glass. Not inviting to be consumed in this state.
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Had this opened / decanted ahead of time by restaurant - cant be sure of exactly how long it was open.
Initial tastes were a bit thinner than i normally expect from monte bello. Really came to life with food toward end of meal. Wondering if this is in an awkward phase?
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It’s starting to be drinkable with a six hour decant. Has decades of life in front of it. The nose jumps from the glass. The American Oak flavors evident and front and center in a good way. Classic cab depth and roundness. A lovely wine we flew to Nice France and enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the Med Sea.
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God I love Ridge MB! My wife always comments that Monte Bello shoud be a perfume, as it is so fragrant and floral. This was fragrant for sure. Decanetd for about 4.5 hours and about another 30-45 minutes in the glass. Seamless integration. Soft blue fruits, espresso, cedar and vanilla. Oak is spot on. I was blown away by the 2013, this is not on that exact level but this is one badass Ridge MB. I have every vintage from 2005- current but never tried anything from 2014-today, that is why I pulled it. Yes, this can go decades, but if you have a bunch of these starring at you, get into it. I usually always say wait, but I am not sure after a 5 hour decant this is not ready to go. 2012-2014 are on fire! I hope the 2015-2021's and beyond continue because this is fun!
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Drinking fine now unlike some other MBs that seem to need a lot more aging. The word “bright” kept coming to mind as I had this - bright acidity, bright red fruits. A notch behind the 2012 I had recently but still very good
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Anniversary weekend, over board games - we both loved it. PnP, even the first sip's finish went on for minutes. Definitely entering its long drinking window.
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Bottle 2 of 6. Last year was too early. This year should have decanted for longer than 2 hrs. Really nice wine with lots of black fruit, leather, some herbs coming through and a touch of licorice.
Approachable now but needs at least 2-3 years to reach its apex
Classic Monte Bello. Lots of cassis, great structure - tannins softening and integrating nicely. Soft acid background. A very well balanced wine with medium-long finish.
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It’s July 4th so I wanted a great American Wine. I choose my favorite which is Monte Bello. This is my 2nd bottle of my case. Opened for 2 hours. Color is deep and opaque Ruby. On the nose: Cassis, plum, kirsch and leather. On the palate: Cassis, violets, plums, some forest floor, tart cherry and kirsch on the finish. Very elegant mouthfeel. Just world class wine. Fabulous effort.
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After over 15 vintages, I gave up my subscription last year and, after this wine, I’m starting to rethink my decision. One of my favorite. Round with good structure and long finish. Typical medium body
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52nd vintage. Driest ever year - 1/3rd usual rainfall. Earliest harvest ever. 18mo 100% new American oak. Decanted 12hrs
The great thing about Monte Bello is that like Corison, it can be enjoyed young or old, such is the quality. Sometimes when I open a bottle of MB I wonder why I bother chasing around after overpriced, over oaked left bank Bordeaux. As usual, the quality here is fabulous. The wine is seductive and vibrant, with rocks and minerals on the finish. Again, that hint of juniper adding a spicy exotic note to the nose and palate. Great core of dark blackberry and raspberry fruit. First growth quality but unfortunately, prices seem to be catching up. Buy it, cellar it, drink it.
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Decanted for 3 hrs and paired with sous vide steak. Aroma had the ‘Draper perfume’ but was a little more muted than I remember. Deep purple/red color. I was pleasantly surprised by the rich fruit flavors on the palate, which was full of flavor and showing well. I know that this was relatively young to open a MB but I really enjoyed it even at this stage.
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My first Monte Bello, and disappointed. Mouth-puckering acidity hiding the fruit. Tannins of course need more time. Quite long. Lacking complexity and balance. I guess everyone would say it needs a lot more time, but I’m not sure this will ever be a great, or even very good, wine.
I’m new to Ridge Monte Bello but had a lot of wine. The regular ridge cab did nothing for me, but this is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Will be buying more to save.
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Popped it in the decanter for five hours and it lit up the kitchen with aroma's of black fruit, leather and currant. One of the best noses I have experienced this year. I haven't drank many Monte Bello's and was quite impressed with this bottle. It's lighter on the pallet than I expected but the balance of fruit, earth and spices was just right for our Prime Rib.
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Never disappoints. Opaque, bloodstain color. Super-potent, smell-across-the-table nose of coffee, chocolate, blackcurrant, earth, and cloves. Full-bodied with a polished, satiny mouthfeel and well-integrated, soft tannin. About as good as young Cabernet gets. Will reveal its complexity as time goes on, but hard to resist now.
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I have a half case and had old friends ( in these Covid times) visit so decided - against my better judgement - to open a bottle. Decanted for 3 hrs and it was drunk over another 3 hours during the course of the evening ( in parallel with a TH wines 3-4 block Syrah). It’s nowhere near ready to drink yet but has a lot of nose with black fruit, leather and a soupcon of menthol. On the palate there’s lots of blackberry, chocolate and some cloves. Gave it 92 but It will be so much better in 3-4 years but if you only have one bottle save it for the future.
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I hesitated whether to open this bottle or wait - glad that I went for it, as it showed wonderfully now and gave a sense of things to come. Mint/menthol nose and pure fruit flavors on first taste that were followed by clean acidity and touch of oak.
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Eucalyptus, licorice, cherry, dark boiler, and cola on a dynamic and evolving nose. Big, rich MB body with great dimension and firm attractive structure. Cool, calm, and collected finish which points to meaningful upside with good length and cooled body.
Clearly edges out the ‘13 from last night but time will tell. The ‘14 seems to have more potential today.
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Decanted 12hrs. Youthful red/purple. Ripe nose of blackberry, cassis and the slightest hint of something herby - juniper? On the red end of the fruit spectrum and as always, that signature Monte Bello blend of concentration and freshness that very few producers in the valley seem to be able to achieve. Definately drinkable now with a long decant but decades to go.
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The WOTN (2nd time in a row) Thanks to the Dalby's for this. Still youthful nose of violet's some black cherry and a presence of aged wood barrel. A viscous mouthfeel with sharper edged acidity present and ready to provide years and years of potential gain to this monster.
Mid palette shows chocolate, the emergence of wood, tobacco, an herbal essence with present acidity which hold the tannin in check. Finish is more black cherry and leather then chocolate but all pleasantly delivered and the real deal.
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drank one of my many bottles- valentines day dinner with amazing lobster tail and kobe wagyu beef cooked at home- OMG this wine is awesome. STrangely out of several salts paired well with a smoky BBQ salt-this was simply amazing. Cassis, minerality, deep, changed to berry and nice finish.
Most beautiful dark holiday ruby color. Lots of deep, rich berry on the nose like black cherry, boysenberry, blueberry. The aromatics and spice continue to open with time. A full bodied cabernet on palette. Tasting notes of berry, faint mushroom and hints of minerality on finish. Balanced and polished. And, likely to get better over time.
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During a Calif CabSav tasting. Confirmed my impression from a recent tasting. 13.5% Alc. the lowest in the evening. More elegant, cooler than the others, lots of cassis in the nose. I think the balance is good here but I would not open before this has 10 years of bottle age, ie 2026.
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75% C.S., 18% Merlot, 5% C.F., & 2% Petit Verdot from their driest vintage in 52 yrs of making this! Harvested 9/2–24/14 @ 25.2˚ ave Brix; "Grapes destemmed, 100% whole berries. Automated berry sorting followed by hand sorting. Fermented on the native yeasts. Pressed at ten days. Natural malolactic." Aged 17 mos in "100% new air-dried oak (97% AM, 2% FR, & 1% Hungarian);"
N: *Fragrantly* INTENSE, packed with aromas, but... unparsable :(
P: LM body; LOVELY, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which stays within the context of the frt as it evolves into a very LONG, *impeccably* BALANCED finish with SUCH an enticing tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins that makes it hard to resist NOW, though it surely DESERVES through '21 (min), then making its 15th... easily. Would seem to have it A-L-L ! 13.5% ABV; My Exceptional! In addition to Ridge's site (with numerous + reviews): On 10/10/17 91pts Decanter's PANEL, 95 RJonWine, & 18/20 (cask) Jancis Robinson
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I'll start off by saying we had this under almost the same conditions as last year's 2013 and it isn't as good. 2013 was a transcendental experience and so good I'm still not sure its classifiable as wine - this is really excellent but is demoted to being wine.
It sits perfectly in the glass. Pitch black and strong, opaque and mature. Vibrant in its blackness. Everything about it screams quality.
On the nose, I would agree that it is quite young but more than drinkable. Smells of oak and violet (perfume violets rather than Parma Violets). The petit verdot comes through extraordinarily strong considering its the smallest percentage of the blend. Touch of eucalyptus but I reckon that might actually be best described as more of a herbal sage or maybe under ripe blackberries. There is a rich juiciness there too which is deceptive due to the dominance of the oaken violets.
Initially quite standard on first taste - tons of chewy tannins with a chalkiness, the oak not too dominant as it is on the nose.
Mid palate is quite sherberty.
Finish is a great sour black cherry, really long lasting herby and fruity.
Don't serve it too cold.
Its true that it isn't complex yet. It could become a bit of a leathery beast but I'm also sure that there doesn't need to be a lot of theatrics if you open this a little early. Drink and enjoy because it isn't a 2013, that much is abundantly clear.
Pnp in a big Bordeaux glass, neither showing much on the nose nor on the palate, today it is all about a very strong cassis flavour, not changing much over the next three days, I am committing infanticide, will turn out to a real red wine beauty, but you should wait at least 5+ more years, (****-+ ?), 91- 92+ potential
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Matter of taste (London): Very perfumed and cool with the oak still shining through. Very silky and Bordeaux like, not as big as like the 2012/2013 from what I remember them. Medium body and great freshness.
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Dark fruit on the nose, spices, eucalyptus, less ripe compared to 2016 Geyserville tasted before. Firm tannins, good structure, generous, fresh, long. This needs more time, but should develop nicely. 93-94+(+)
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Opened accidentally; I intended to open a Lytton Springs, but I was distracted and grabbed the Monte Bello instead, and as soon as I opened it I realized from the aroma alone that I had serious effed this up. It is way too young, though true to form, after opening up for a bit it mellowed out and sent forth rich raspberry and blackberry flavors. I should have waited five years. I better get another one.
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During a Wine Advocate Matter of Taste walkabout tasting, so only brief impressions. Young, very good aromatics already emerging with a bit of swirling. Classic proportions. Best after 2024
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Wow, this wine was truly amazing. Gave it an hour in the decanter. Nice balance between red and black fruits, spicy oak and tobacco. Great balance and amazing finish.
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First - this wine needs to go to the corner and settle down! It is way too young to drink now. But there is greatness ahead.
It is 75% Cabernet, 18% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 2% Petiti Verdot. It is made with 80% new American for one year and then another year at the wine makers election.
It is a medium Ruby color with strong aromas of strawberry, leather and smoke. It is dry with a full body. It has high tannins and medium acidity. Fair balance but it will improve with age. Flavors of red raspberry, black tar and cassis. Long finish. Needs time!
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Sonoma County May 29, 2018: TR pour. Aromas of black fruits, cassis, florals, leather, dark spices- tight. Huge structure and complexity. Some nice high-toned fruit. Broad fine-grained tannins and an expansive finish.
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The nose was layer, intense and dark with masses of black and red berry fruit, currants, and plum followed by hints of mint, cedar and fresh pine. On the palate, I found velvety textures offset by wave after wave of tart blackberry, currants, savory herbs, saline mineral, brisk acids and saturating fine tannin. The finish was wonderfully long with tart black fruits and minerals, but also painfully young.
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Ridge Tasting (Gordon's): Dark red/purple. Somewhat muted, but wonderful nose. Very tannic. Dark fruit. Long, but not very intense, finish. Too young to really evaluate?
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Very light smooth but light on the palette initially but after 30 minutes of slow ox it became much deeper and full of floral note and cassis. A beauty with a substantial finish. I easily give the 2014 a 94 with room to grow as it cellars.
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Superb. Served with beef tenderloin, after the Albatreti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino. Delicate cherry and cassis, followed by plums, blackberry, and mellow tannins. Easily approachable, but I’m curious as to will happen in 10 years.
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Opened at Anvil. Amazingly approachable for such a young Monte Bello. Notes of black currant, violet and cedar, with integrated tannins. Somewhat singular now comparatively, but the bones seem to be in place for the future. 94+
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Quick Note. Tasted at the winery along with the 2005 and 2006 Monte Bello. Seventy-five percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 percent Merlot, five percent Cabernet Franc, and two percent Petit Verdot. Of course, good color. Nose and palate are very tight and hard to "toe-hold." It's young and too closed; it needs ten years in the cellar. Elements of dust (or more precisely minerality), blood, raspberry, rose, plus toasted oak that will require time to integrate. Needs a good long decant, but time is really the most important requisite at this stage -- and you can't rush time. Should turn into an elegant, medium-weight Monte Bello. Rating may go up a few points with proper cellaring.
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This is great for $50 but not for $200. Classy wine, not overly heavy or rich. Nicely balanced and very easy to drink. On the lighter side which we like for our heat in SW Florida. excellent
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Denne ikonvinen kommer med druer fra 19 av de 26 parsellene i Monte Bello og er laget på 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc og 2% Petit Verdot. Vinen oppnådde fine 13,5% alkohol. Vinen er modnet i 22 måneder derav på 97% amerikanske eikefat, 2% franske eikefat og 1% ungarske eikefat. Og andel nye fat? 100%!
På farge er vinen klar med mørkere rød kjerne og et snev av lilla kant.
Vinen er rik og relativt åpen på nesen med lett konsentrerte modne solbær, litt røyk, krydder og et snev av blyantspiss. Dette går det an å lukte lenge på.
På paletten er vinen fyldig med dyphet og vinen har pakket seg godt inn med sine herlige modne solbær, mørkere plommer, noe tretoner og lett lærpreg. Lang, bittelitt syrlig utgang med sine faste tanniner og flotte syre. Vinen har i dag noe uforløst som venter på å komme og vise verden hva den er. Men det kommer det.
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MW 2017 CABERNET FROM THE AMERICAS TASTING-WILDFIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER, I am not a ridge Monte Bello fan, no excuse, just me, nose of red and black cherry and black berry, oak, hints of forest floor and spice, same on the palate, medium/big body, subdued fruit, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, lovely and rich fruit, at $200 I will pass, medium/long finish.
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Very young. Great red fruit. Oak needs to integrate. Good balance between fruit, tannins and acid. Will follow the usual Ridge development curve. But way too early to open now, needs a decade or so. Tasted at Ridge.
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California Vacation (Sonoma, SF, Monterey); 8/5/2017-8/12/2017: Tasted at winery. Wow. Really excellent. So much more there than the '14 estate, and the best of the three Monte Bellos presented side by side. Lots of tannins that will take some time to resolve. Mouth filling body with black fruit, sweet spice, violets, and a dusty dried herbal character. Med + finish.
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Small black fruits, cassis, dark cherry, gun metal, minerals, cigar leaf; silky and pure on the palate, long tangy finish; near perfect structure, much more lift than 2003 (and much more potential I think). Loved this. With Israel at the winery. This is one to pick up for the long haul. Don't get the luke-warm reviews I see on this.
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2014 RIDGE WINERY MONTE BELLO SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS- tasted blind in what was supposed to be a Merlot tasting; although not predominately Merlot, anytime one brings a Ridge of anything, it`s always acceptable; this is comprised of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; it was also excusable this is so young and unevolved but it does showcase some redeeming qualities that promise high rewards in a few decades; it had almost excessively generous amounts of blackberry and black cherry notes with significant oak influence; the tannins were fairly stiff and the finish was majorly dry
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I'm with Brent25. Spicy cinnamon/chipotle. Elegant And balanced. Will make old bones, but limited upside. Delicious, but $200, per Gwen, is b-a-n-a-n-a-s.
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Dark, inky black cherry in colour; nose of cassis compote and cinnamon; palate follows nose; well balanced; not worth the price compared to other Californian cabs
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Ridge Monte Bello Tasting (Ridge Monte Bello, Cupertino): Lovely aromatics on the nose with red fruit, black fruit, slight spice, some vanilla; palate is full bodied, surprisingly approachable tannins but still youthful, tons of primary fruit; long finish. Excellent, but perhaps less long lived than the 2013. 92
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From 375ml. I get a few 375ml bottles specifically so I can open a bottle early and not feel too bad about it. This vintage seems a bit more approachable early than recent vintages, but it is still overwhelming. Big fruit that is very tasty and complex. Good structure for a long life, but the fruit dominates now. Fun to taste if you get a chance, but it is too big and interesting to really pair well with food at this stage.
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Terrific nose - black fruit, some red fruit notes too, violets, some menthol. Still tannic due to its age (would never open a Monte Bello this young). I would cellar for at least 10 yrs, if not more. A great Monte Bello in the making. '12, '13 and '14 are all stellar vintages for Monte Bellos.
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Aroma: Camphor, menthol, cedar, cinnamon, plum, rose, strawberry. Palate: Bright red fruit and green grippy tannins lead to flavors of smoked meat, clay, tobacco, green pepper, kalamata olive. Excellent structure, acidity and length.
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2016 Bassin's California Barrel Tasting (Mandarin Oriental D.C.): First time trying any Monte Bello's and here I get to compare 2013-2015. All similar especially as my notes here are pretty poor. A bit unique relative to the Napa cabs, reminds me more of Alexander Valley. Some savory and minty components. Quite nice overall. Preferred 15 the most, then 14, then 13 but these were all very close. These will obviously evolve over a long time so I really don't have experience to judge them well now. Let's call this one 90-92.
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Ridge Monte Bello Tasting (Cupertino, CA): Intense nose with blackberry, blackcurrant, mint, floral, violet; palate is very young, blackberry, blackcurrant, big tannins; medium-long finish. Very nice, and I like this final blend much better than the initial blend at the components tasting. Monte Bello is always a treat. 94-95
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Preliminary blend. Deep primary color; red fruit, black fruit, slight spice, red pepper, bell pepper and some slight green; palate is full bodied, ripe and plush red and black fruits, silky tannins, fruit through the midpalate; long finish. Interestingly, this is greater than the sum of its parts (the varietal components tasted separately), but overall it seems riper than expected and also a bit reticent. I'm curious to see how this evolves with the final blends. 92-94 for now, but too early to tell for sure. Might be a 15 year Monte Bello instead of a 30 year one.
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3/15/2024 - duchamp wrote: 94 Points
Deep ruby to deep purple, slightly musty on the nose with black raspberry, alcohol, and cranberry, followed by wet stone, earth, and mint, all tightly wound, tight but—somehow—lush on the palate with dark berry fruit, black plum, strong acidity, streaks of minerality, and firm tannins, finish is dominated by black tea, tangy acidity, dark berry fruits, cherry, earth, vanilla, coconut, menthol, and more
Note: 10 years on and the tannins are still pretty fierce, even for mountain fruit, not sure it will ever totally settle down but those who like dark, tight cabs, this one's for you
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2/16/2024 - plechazunga Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still tight and alcoholic out of the bottle, after a decant opened light in fruit but a beautiful structure with green and wood notes.
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12/20/2023 - WineJ2019 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Opened this on a whim as a “special bottle” to share with a good friend we’re hosting. Pretty quick decant say ~30min. Wow the nose was amazing, so complex. And then silky smooth on the palate with eucalyptus, currant, slight oak, tobacco. Tannins there in the background but not overwhelming at all. This was a beauty. Of course can go much longer but this was drinking great now by my tastes.
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12/15/2023 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious. While still very youthful, this has an amazing bouquet and some early maturity notes of sweet green Virginia tobacco and anise. Long finish. Paired great with a Wagyu smash burger.
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11/29/2023 - Curt325 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Complex, balanced, with Goldilocks tannin (“just right”). We savored the beautiful nose before sipping. Chocolate & dark fruit on the front of the pallet, a dryness developed mid range, with an elegantly subtle finish. I’m glad I have one more of these beauties.
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11/23/2023 - Vinobay wrote: 95 Points
Perfect aging — layers of cherries, chocolate, and oak. Perfect balance on the palate of fruit, acidity, and tannins. Elegant finish that’s makes you savor every sip.
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10/22/2023 - Kayentacellars wrote: 98 Points
Just right!
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10/1/2023 - jmoon Likes this wine: 96 Points
Superbly cool deep dark fruit. Dense and plush but not over ripe, just superb. Just the right balance in style between bordeaux and Napa. No fruit bomb here. Drinking well now, especially after an hours air, but clearly has a lot to unfurl.
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8/23/2023 - lozatron Likes this wine:
Good lordy. An early tasting based on the fact that both the 08 and the 10 have been a point recently, and we were drinking a few other Ridge 14s so it seemed like a fun chance to try. Such density, poise. This is clearly very young, and I won't broach another bottle for a couple of years yet, but it's all there - really top stuff.
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8/20/2023 - deadwax Likes this wine: 94 Points
Double decanted for group of six. Still young and tight. Dark fruit flavors with a very good fruit structure balance. Thinking this will be a long lived wine for a MB.
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4/19/2023 - WineSauvy Likes this wine: 96 Points
Early peak into a beautiful wine. Incredible tension and balance preview a long life for this wine. Combination of sweet oak, smooth tannins, spice and black fruit are simply enchanting. High acidity of this mountain cab differentiates the Monte Bello. Curtain still to fully unfurl on the complexity with this wine
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3/11/2023 - jonh1 wrote: 95 Points
Tomato paste, dark fruit, rubber cement nose
Way more integrated on the tongue. Really good. Doesn’t need food - ripe fruit, plum and blackberry, maybe orange zest? still that hint of rubber cement. Attributes: Good on balance, complexity, length, intensity; great on beauty. Whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Delicious now but will get better for a while.
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3/10/2023 - dearth wrote: 90 Points
Solid red color, earthy robust nose og mature berries and cask. Taste does not fully match its nose, probably too young for that, but nice berry-youghurt top-level americana. Splendid wine, just give it a few more years.
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2/8/2023 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
Napa 2023: the quieter version; 2/6/2023-2/11/2023 (Napa/Sonoma California): Very soft and gentle. Darker fruits and light in style. I always love Monte Bello giving it the benefit of the doubt this is probably in a slightly dumb phase. With some time you get more darker fruits and a bit more spice. From ‘13 onward this wine has become a more cab dominated because of newer plantings that are more skewed towards cab. This is one of those earlier years of that.
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12/31/2022 - twoamps wrote: flawed
12/31/2022 drank with a nice chateaubriand on NYE. Disappointing. 2 hour decant, some settled sediment, red throughout, but very thin, hollow, and lifeless. Not corked, not oxidized, but not very good and very atypical for a MB. Had been stored at 55 throughout, so dunno what went wrong. Still holding out hope for the other bottle in a few years...
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12/11/2022 - sempervinum wrote: 90 Points
The wine sat 4 hours in an open bottle. A more extensive decant might have contributed to a better performance. Appealing red berry fruit, fresh tree bark. Gets more balsamic aromas with time Firm tannins and tree bark with balsamic notes in the mouth do not go well together. There is hot alcohol with more time in the glass. Not inviting to be consumed in this state.
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10/31/2022 - unrelenting wrote: 96 Points
Blockbuster vintage
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10/28/2022 - WhineEnthusiast Likes this wine: 94 Points
Had this opened / decanted ahead of time by restaurant - cant be sure of exactly how long it was open.
Initial tastes were a bit thinner than i normally expect from monte bello. Really came to life with food toward end of meal. Wondering if this is in an awkward phase?
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8/10/2022 - BenW89 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Beautiful. Classic Ridge profile. Dense, perfumed, cassis and graphite. Smooth, fine-grained tannins. Impressive length
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7/4/2022 - Steve Brickley Likes this wine: 96 Points
It’s starting to be drinkable with a six hour decant. Has decades of life in front of it. The nose jumps from the glass. The American Oak flavors evident and front and center in a good way. Classic cab depth and roundness. A lovely wine we flew to Nice France and enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the Med Sea.
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6/19/2022 - zimmy07 Likes this wine: 95 Points
God I love Ridge MB! My wife always comments that Monte Bello shoud be a perfume, as it is so fragrant and floral. This was fragrant for sure. Decanetd for about 4.5 hours and about another 30-45 minutes in the glass. Seamless integration. Soft blue fruits, espresso, cedar and vanilla. Oak is spot on. I was blown away by the 2013, this is not on that exact level but this is one badass Ridge MB. I have every vintage from 2005- current but never tried anything from 2014-today, that is why I pulled it. Yes, this can go decades, but if you have a bunch of these starring at you, get into it. I usually always say wait, but I am not sure after a 5 hour decant this is not ready to go. 2012-2014 are on fire! I hope the 2015-2021's and beyond continue because this is fun!
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3/19/2022 - WineJ2019 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking fine now unlike some other MBs that seem to need a lot more aging. The word “bright” kept coming to mind as I had this - bright acidity, bright red fruits. A notch behind the 2012 I had recently but still very good
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12/7/2021 - wineywhites wrote:
Decanted for an hour - not enough. Still a bit stemy if not decanted
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9/28/2021 - phandel Likes this wine: 95 Points
Anniversary weekend, over board games - we both loved it. PnP, even the first sip's finish went on for minutes. Definitely entering its long drinking window.
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8/14/2021 - azscot wrote: 93 Points
Bottle 2 of 6. Last year was too early. This year should have decanted for longer than 2 hrs. Really nice wine with lots of black fruit, leather, some herbs coming through and a touch of licorice.
Approachable now but needs at least 2-3 years to reach its apex
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8/1/2021 - VinCA wrote:
Classic Monte Bello. Lots of cassis, great structure - tannins softening and integrating nicely. Soft acid background. A very well balanced wine with medium-long finish.
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7/17/2021 - Ruthk603 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious. Was expecting it to be a little young. But was pleasantly surprised, very well rounded today.
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7/4/2021 - Brian of Mull Likes this wine: 96 Points
It’s July 4th so I wanted a great American Wine. I choose my favorite which is Monte Bello. This is my 2nd bottle of my case. Opened for 2 hours. Color is deep and opaque Ruby. On the nose: Cassis, plum, kirsch and leather. On the palate: Cassis, violets, plums, some forest floor, tart cherry and kirsch on the finish. Very elegant mouthfeel. Just world class wine. Fabulous effort.
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7/3/2021 - unrelenting wrote: 96 Points
After over 15 vintages, I gave up my subscription last year and, after this wine, I’m starting to rethink my decision. One of my favorite. Round with good structure and long finish. Typical medium body
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6/17/2021 - gouldcampbell77 wrote: 94 Points
52nd vintage. Driest ever year - 1/3rd usual rainfall. Earliest harvest ever. 18mo 100% new American oak. Decanted 12hrs
The great thing about Monte Bello is that like Corison, it can be enjoyed young or old, such is the quality. Sometimes when I open a bottle of MB I wonder why I bother chasing around after overpriced, over oaked left bank Bordeaux. As usual, the quality here is fabulous. The wine is seductive and vibrant, with rocks and minerals on the finish. Again, that hint of juniper adding a spicy exotic note to the nose and palate. Great core of dark blackberry and raspberry fruit. First growth quality but unfortunately, prices seem to be catching up. Buy it, cellar it, drink it.
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1/2/2021 - WineJ2019 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 3 hrs and paired with sous vide steak. Aroma had the ‘Draper perfume’ but was a little more muted than I remember. Deep purple/red color. I was pleasantly surprised by the rich fruit flavors on the palate, which was full of flavor and showing well. I know that this was relatively young to open a MB but I really enjoyed it even at this stage.
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1/1/2021 - gooner1221 wrote: 90 Points
My first Monte Bello, and disappointed. Mouth-puckering acidity hiding the fruit. Tannins of course need more time. Quite long. Lacking complexity and balance. I guess everyone would say it needs a lot more time, but I’m not sure this will ever be a great, or even very good, wine.
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12/31/2020 - kfran24 Likes this wine: 97 Points
I’m new to Ridge Monte Bello but had a lot of wine. The regular ridge cab did nothing for me, but this is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Will be buying more to save.
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12/26/2020 - peruvianprince wrote: 97 Points
Still very young. As good as it gets
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12/25/2020 - PDXWineO Likes this wine: 93 Points
Popped it in the decanter for five hours and it lit up the kitchen with aroma's of black fruit, leather and currant. One of the best noses I have experienced this year. I haven't drank many Monte Bello's and was quite impressed with this bottle. It's lighter on the pallet than I expected but the balance of fruit, earth and spices was just right for our Prime Rib.
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12/16/2020 - cooberp Likes this wine: 93 Points
Never disappoints. Opaque, bloodstain color. Super-potent, smell-across-the-table nose of coffee, chocolate, blackcurrant, earth, and cloves. Full-bodied with a polished, satiny mouthfeel and well-integrated, soft tannin. About as good as young Cabernet gets. Will reveal its complexity as time goes on, but hard to resist now.
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12/12/2020 - azscot wrote: 92 Points
I have a half case and had old friends ( in these Covid times) visit so decided - against my better judgement - to open a bottle. Decanted for 3 hrs and it was drunk over another 3 hours during the course of the evening ( in parallel with a TH wines 3-4 block Syrah).
It’s nowhere near ready to drink yet but has a lot of nose with black fruit, leather and a soupcon of menthol. On the palate there’s lots of blackberry, chocolate and some cloves. Gave it 92 but It will be so much better in 3-4 years but if you only have one bottle save it for the future.
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11/28/2020 - BigBoy_Sonoma Likes this wine: 97 Points
Black fruit, cassis, chocolate, herbal notes, truffles, and finishes smooth. A+
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11/8/2020 - jlgnml Likes this wine: 93 Points
I would rate this higher except it was a wine emergency and a pop & pour. Deep rich color and solid palate feel. Good finish. Wait 5+ years for sure.
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11/1/2020 - TM11 wrote: 93 Points
Winner of the night. Super smooth.
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8/8/2020 - WineJ2019 Likes this wine: 95 Points
I hesitated whether to open this bottle or wait - glad that I went for it, as it showed wonderfully now and gave a sense of things to come. Mint/menthol nose and pure fruit flavors on first taste that were followed by clean acidity and touch of oak.
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7/22/2020 - mchern02 wrote: 94 Points
2 hour decant
Eucalyptus, licorice, cherry, dark boiler, and cola on a dynamic and evolving nose. Big, rich MB body with great dimension and firm attractive structure. Cool, calm, and collected finish which points to meaningful upside with good length and cooled body.
Clearly edges out the ‘13 from last night but time will tell. The ‘14 seems to have more potential today.
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4/23/2020 - gouldcampbell77 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted 12hrs. Youthful red/purple. Ripe nose of blackberry, cassis and the slightest hint of something herby - juniper? On the red end of the fruit spectrum and as always, that signature Monte Bello blend of concentration and freshness that very few producers in the valley seem to be able to achieve. Definately drinkable now with a long decant but decades to go.
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3/28/2020 - Brian of Mull Likes this wine: 96 Points
Extraordinary wine. Rich dark cherry liquor , cassis and violets. Very smooth with nice finish. Elegance personified.
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2/22/2020 - tomoem Likes this wine: 94 Points
CBCC "Open that Bottle night" 2020
The WOTN (2nd time in a row) Thanks to the Dalby's for this. Still youthful nose of violet's some black cherry and a presence of aged wood barrel. A viscous mouthfeel with sharper edged acidity present and ready to provide years and years of potential gain to this monster.
Mid palette shows chocolate, the emergence of wood, tobacco, an herbal essence with present acidity which hold the tannin in check.
Finish is more black cherry and leather then chocolate but all pleasantly delivered and the real deal.
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2/14/2020 - pitcrewstrategist Likes this wine: 95 Points
drank one of my many bottles- valentines day dinner with amazing lobster tail and kobe wagyu beef cooked at home- OMG this wine is awesome. STrangely out of several salts paired well with a smoky BBQ salt-this was simply amazing. Cassis, minerality, deep, changed to berry and nice finish.
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11/2/2019 - cclearningwine wrote: 95 Points
Most beautiful dark holiday ruby color. Lots of deep, rich berry on the nose like black cherry, boysenberry, blueberry. The aromatics and spice continue to open with time. A full bodied cabernet on palette. Tasting notes of berry, faint mushroom and hints of minerality on finish. Balanced and polished. And, likely to get better over time.
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10/5/2019 - LWI wrote: 93 Points
Promising
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4/4/2019 - porkandsalmon Likes this wine:
Young, vibrant and tannic but too early to judge!
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2/14/2019 - Collector1855 wrote: 95 Points
During a Calif CabSav tasting. Confirmed my impression from a recent tasting. 13.5% Alc. the lowest in the evening. More elegant, cooler than the others, lots of cassis in the nose. I think the balance is good here but I would not open before this has 10 years of bottle age, ie 2026.
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1/19/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 4 *shared* bottles] from 01/18/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): José, as I'd never tried a Monte Bello, doble gracias for looking out for us today! :)
75% C.S., 18% Merlot, 5% C.F., & 2% Petit Verdot from their driest vintage in 52 yrs of making this! Harvested 9/2–24/14 @ 25.2˚ ave Brix; "Grapes destemmed, 100% whole berries. Automated berry sorting followed by hand sorting. Fermented on the native yeasts. Pressed at ten days. Natural malolactic." Aged 17 mos in "100% new air-dried oak (97% AM, 2% FR, & 1% Hungarian);"
N: *Fragrantly* INTENSE, packed with aromas, but... unparsable :(
P: LM body; LOVELY, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which stays within the context of the frt as it evolves into a very LONG, *impeccably* BALANCED finish with SUCH an enticing tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins that makes it hard to resist NOW, though it surely DESERVES through '21 (min), then making its 15th... easily. Would seem to have it A-L-L ! 13.5% ABV; My Exceptional! In addition to Ridge's site (with numerous + reviews): On 10/10/17 91pts Decanter's PANEL, 95 RJonWine, & 18/20 (cask) Jancis Robinson
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1/13/2019 - JayDubz Likes this wine: 94 Points
I'll start off by saying we had this under almost the same conditions as last year's 2013 and it isn't as good. 2013 was a transcendental experience and so good I'm still not sure its classifiable as wine - this is really excellent but is demoted to being wine.
It sits perfectly in the glass. Pitch black and strong, opaque and mature. Vibrant in its blackness. Everything about it screams quality.
On the nose, I would agree that it is quite young but more than drinkable. Smells of oak and violet (perfume violets rather than Parma Violets). The petit verdot comes through extraordinarily strong considering its the smallest percentage of the blend. Touch of eucalyptus but I reckon that might actually be best described as more of a herbal sage or maybe under ripe blackberries.
There is a rich juiciness there too which is deceptive due to the dominance of the oaken violets.
Initially quite standard on first taste - tons of chewy tannins with a chalkiness, the oak not too dominant as it is on the nose.
Mid palate is quite sherberty.
Finish is a great sour black cherry, really long lasting herby and fruity.
Don't serve it too cold.
Its true that it isn't complex yet. It could become a bit of a leathery beast but I'm also sure that there doesn't need to be a lot of theatrics if you open this a little early. Drink and enjoy because it isn't a 2013, that much is abundantly clear.
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11/20/2018 - wineotim wrote: 93 Points
Tasted at a local event. Shows a lot of eucalyptus like lift and energy, big acid and black cherry fruit. Very fresh feel.
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11/9/2018 - Vinomnivore Likes this wine:
Far too young... a mistake to open this, but it is showing great potential.
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11/3/2018 - fc1910 wrote:
Pnp in a big Bordeaux glass, neither showing much on the nose nor on the palate, today it is all about a very strong cassis flavour, not changing much over the next three days, I am committing infanticide, will turn out to a real red wine beauty, but you should wait at least 5+ more years, (****-+ ?), 91- 92+ potential
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10/27/2018 - Mascarello59 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Matter of taste (London): Very perfumed and cool with the oak still shining through. Very silky and Bordeaux like, not as big as like the 2012/2013 from what I remember them. Medium body and great freshness.
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10/27/2018 - rossi.wine wrote: 94 Points
Dark fruit on the nose, spices, eucalyptus, less ripe compared to 2016 Geyserville tasted before. Firm tannins, good structure, generous, fresh, long. This needs more time, but should develop nicely. 93-94+(+)
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9/19/2018 - RobbieD68 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opened accidentally; I intended to open a Lytton Springs, but I was distracted and grabbed the Monte Bello instead, and as soon as I opened it I realized from the aroma alone that I had serious effed this up. It is way too young, though true to form, after opening up for a bit it mellowed out and sent forth rich raspberry and blackberry flavors. I should have waited five years. I better get another one.
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8/26/2018 - Collector1855 wrote: 96 Points
During a Wine Advocate Matter of Taste walkabout tasting, so only brief impressions. Young, very good aromatics already emerging with a bit of swirling. Classic proportions. Best after 2024
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7/9/2018 - bobpsi Likes this wine:
Wow, this wine was truly amazing. Gave it an hour in the decanter. Nice balance between red and black fruits, spicy oak and tobacco. Great balance and amazing finish.
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6/28/2018 - ColluraJ Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasted at Lytton Springs.
First - this wine needs to go to the corner and settle down! It is way too young to drink now. But there is greatness ahead.
It is 75% Cabernet, 18% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 2% Petiti Verdot. It is made with 80% new American for one year and then another year at the wine makers election.
It is a medium Ruby color with strong aromas of strawberry, leather and smoke. It is dry with a full body. It has high tannins and medium acidity. Fair balance but it will improve with age. Flavors of red raspberry, black tar and cassis. Long finish. Needs time!
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6/3/2018 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:
Sonoma County May 29, 2018: TR pour. Aromas of black fruits, cassis, florals, leather, dark spices- tight. Huge structure and complexity. Some nice high-toned fruit. Broad fine-grained tannins and an expansive finish.
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5/29/2018 - BigBoy_Sonoma Likes this wine: 97 Points
Black and blue fruits, jammy notes, herbal, Asian tea, hints of chocolate and truffles. A/A+
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5/24/2018 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 95 Points
The nose was layer, intense and dark with masses of black and red berry fruit, currants, and plum followed by hints of mint, cedar and fresh pine. On the palate, I found velvety textures offset by wave after wave of tart blackberry, currants, savory herbs, saline mineral, brisk acids and saturating fine tannin. The finish was wonderfully long with tart black fruits and minerals, but also painfully young.
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5/22/2018 - mattiasjansson wrote: 92 Points
Ridge Tasting (Gordon's): Dark red/purple. Somewhat muted, but wonderful nose. Very tannic. Dark fruit. Long, but not very intense, finish. Too young to really evaluate?
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5/19/2018 - CellarBuzzz Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very light smooth but light on the palette initially but after 30 minutes of slow ox it became much deeper and full of floral note and cassis. A beauty with a substantial finish. I easily give the 2014 a 94 with room to grow as it cellars.
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4/15/2018 - NAS wrote: 95 Points
Superb. Served with beef tenderloin, after the Albatreti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino. Delicate cherry and cassis, followed by plums, blackberry, and mellow tannins. Easily approachable, but I’m curious as to will happen in 10 years.
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3/21/2018 - thelostverse wrote: 94 Points
Opened at Anvil. Amazingly approachable for such a young Monte Bello. Notes of black currant, violet and cedar, with integrated tannins. Somewhat singular now comparatively, but the bones seem to be in place for the future. 94+
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3/12/2018 - John Dunlap Likes this wine: 92 Points
Quick Note. Tasted at the winery along with the 2005 and 2006 Monte Bello. Seventy-five percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 percent Merlot, five percent Cabernet Franc, and two percent Petit Verdot. Of course, good color. Nose and palate are very tight and hard to "toe-hold." It's young and too closed; it needs ten years in the cellar. Elements of dust (or more precisely minerality), blood, raspberry, rose, plus toasted oak that will require time to integrate. Needs a good long decant, but time is really the most important requisite at this stage -- and you can't rush time. Should turn into an elegant, medium-weight Monte Bello. Rating may go up a few points with proper cellaring.
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3/10/2018 - floridawinedrkr Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is great for $50 but not for $200. Classy wine, not overly heavy or rich. Nicely balanced and very easy to drink. On the lighter side which we like for our heat in SW Florida. excellent
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2/2/2018 - Wine_lvr wrote: 95 Points
Excellent
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1/14/2018 - Andre Brattland wrote: 94 Points
Denne ikonvinen kommer med druer fra 19 av de 26 parsellene i Monte Bello og er laget på 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc og 2% Petit Verdot. Vinen oppnådde fine 13,5% alkohol. Vinen er modnet i 22 måneder derav på 97% amerikanske eikefat, 2% franske eikefat og 1% ungarske eikefat. Og andel nye fat? 100%!
På farge er vinen klar med mørkere rød kjerne og et snev av lilla kant.
Vinen er rik og relativt åpen på nesen med lett konsentrerte modne solbær, litt røyk, krydder og et snev av blyantspiss. Dette går det an å lukte lenge på.
På paletten er vinen fyldig med dyphet og vinen har pakket seg godt inn med sine herlige modne solbær, mørkere plommer, noe tretoner og lett lærpreg. Lang, bittelitt syrlig utgang med sine faste tanniner og flotte syre. Vinen har i dag noe uforløst som venter på å komme og vise verden hva den er. Men det kommer det.
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12/26/2017 - OmiyaDrinker wrote: 92 Points
No proper notes but delicious. Not sure this will be the longest lived vintage however.
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10/30/2017 - RajivAyyangar wrote: 90 Points
IMW - Cab / Cab Franc Walk-Around Tasting 2018 (mostly 2014 vintage) (Hyatt, San Francisco): Fresh blackberry, blueberry, and tart blackcurrant. Complex fruit. Hint of gingerbread oak on the palate (American oak?). Fresh acid. Classic Monte Bello!
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10/30/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
MW 2017 CABERNET FROM THE AMERICAS TASTING-WILDFIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER, I am not a ridge Monte Bello fan, no excuse, just me, nose of red and black cherry and black berry, oak, hints of forest floor and spice, same on the palate, medium/big body, subdued fruit, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, lovely and rich fruit, at $200 I will pass, medium/long finish.
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10/21/2017 - Amishdesai93 Likes this wine:
Lots of red fruit and could tase oak. Well balanced tannins
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10/21/2017 - wabi47 Likes this wine:
complex nose; elegant, complex and tight
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10/8/2017 - cos65 Likes this wine:
Fresh ripe, and surprisingly easier to drink than the '06 or '05 next to it. But rich, balanced. Lovely
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9/30/2017 - ljones Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very young. Great red fruit. Oak needs to integrate. Good balance between fruit, tannins and acid. Will follow the usual Ridge development curve. But way too early to open now, needs a decade or so.
Tasted at Ridge.
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8/6/2017 - ews3 wrote: 95 Points
California Vacation (Sonoma, SF, Monterey); 8/5/2017-8/12/2017: Tasted at winery. Wow. Really excellent. So much more there than the '14 estate, and the best of the three Monte Bellos presented side by side. Lots of tannins that will take some time to resolve. Mouth filling body with black fruit, sweet spice, violets, and a dusty dried herbal character. Med + finish.
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7/25/2017 - peternelson wrote: 93 Points
Small black fruits, cassis, dark cherry, gun metal, minerals, cigar leaf; silky and pure on the palate, long tangy finish; near perfect structure, much more lift than 2003 (and much more potential I think). Loved this. With Israel at the winery. This is one to pick up for the long haul. Don't get the luke-warm reviews I see on this.
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7/15/2017 - Blake Brown Likes this wine: 90 Points
2014 RIDGE WINERY MONTE BELLO SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS- tasted blind in what was supposed to be a Merlot tasting; although not predominately Merlot, anytime one brings a Ridge of anything, it`s always acceptable; this is comprised of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; it was also excusable this is so young and unevolved but it does showcase some redeeming qualities that promise high rewards in a few decades; it had almost excessively generous amounts of blackberry and black cherry notes with significant oak influence; the tannins were fairly stiff and the finish was majorly dry
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5/28/2017 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm with Brent25. Spicy cinnamon/chipotle. Elegant And balanced. Will make old bones, but limited upside. Delicious, but $200, per Gwen, is b-a-n-a-n-a-s.
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5/20/2017 - Brent25 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark, inky black cherry in colour; nose of cassis compote and cinnamon; palate follows nose; well balanced; not worth the price compared to other Californian cabs
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5/14/2017 - aagrawal wrote: 91 Points
Ridge Monte Bello Tasting (Ridge Monte Bello, Cupertino): Moderately aromatic, black fruit; full bodied, plenty of black fruit, complex but also a bit reticent; medium finish. This seems youthful and a bit closed. 91 today.
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4/23/2017 - aagrawal wrote: 92 Points
Ridge Monte Bello Tasting (Ridge Monte Bello, Cupertino): Lovely aromatics on the nose with red fruit, black fruit, slight spice, some vanilla; palate is full bodied, surprisingly approachable tannins but still youthful, tons of primary fruit; long finish. Excellent, but perhaps less long lived than the 2013. 92
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3/30/2017 - missionpk Likes this wine:
From 375ml. I get a few 375ml bottles specifically so I can open a bottle early and not feel too bad about it. This vintage seems a bit more approachable early than recent vintages, but it is still overwhelming. Big fruit that is very tasty and complex. Good structure for a long life, but the fruit dominates now. Fun to taste if you get a chance, but it is too big and interesting to really pair well with food at this stage.
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3/12/2017 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 94 Points
Terrific nose - black fruit, some red fruit notes too, violets, some menthol. Still tannic due to its age (would never open a Monte Bello this young). I would cellar for at least 10 yrs, if not more. A great Monte Bello in the making. '12, '13 and '14 are all stellar vintages for Monte Bellos.
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3/11/2017 - kosinski Likes this wine:
Aroma: Camphor, menthol, cedar, cinnamon, plum, rose, strawberry.
Palate: Bright red fruit and green grippy tannins lead to flavors of smoked meat, clay, tobacco, green pepper, kalamata olive. Excellent structure, acidity and length.
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5/14/2016 - yeti575rider wrote: 91 Points
2016 Bassin's California Barrel Tasting (Mandarin Oriental D.C.): First time trying any Monte Bello's and here I get to compare 2013-2015. All similar especially as my notes here are pretty poor. A bit unique relative to the Napa cabs, reminds me more of Alexander Valley. Some savory and minty components. Quite nice overall. Preferred 15 the most, then 14, then 13 but these were all very close. These will obviously evolve over a long time so I really don't have experience to judge them well now. Let's call this one 90-92.
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5/16/2015 - aagrawal wrote: 94 Points
Ridge Monte Bello Tasting (Cupertino, CA): Intense nose with blackberry, blackcurrant, mint, floral, violet; palate is very young, blackberry, blackcurrant, big tannins; medium-long finish. Very nice, and I like this final blend much better than the initial blend at the components tasting. Monte Bello is always a treat. 94-95
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4/18/2015 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 92 Points
30th Addy Bassin's California Barrel Tasting (The Mandarin Oriental Hotel): 91-93
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4/18/2015 - cab blends wrote: 91 Points
California Tasting (Barrel Tasting and an slight older): I found this the most approachable with lighter tannins than the 2012 and 2013.
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3/15/2015 - aagrawal wrote: 93 Points
Preliminary blend. Deep primary color; red fruit, black fruit, slight spice, red pepper, bell pepper and some slight green; palate is full bodied, ripe and plush red and black fruits, silky tannins, fruit through the midpalate; long finish. Interestingly, this is greater than the sum of its parts (the varietal components tasted separately), but overall it seems riper than expected and also a bit reticent. I'm curious to see how this evolves with the final blends. 92-94 for now, but too early to tell for sure. Might be a 15 year Monte Bello instead of a 30 year one.
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3/15/2015 - Omar Khayyam wrote:
Go West tasting march 13 2015 (sheraton, stockholm, sweden): very fruit forward, sappy, barrel sample, wow this is sweet juice. hard to tell what will come out on the other side.
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