Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains Red Wine 2021 Rated 94WA

JamesSuckling.com: 100 Points "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." -Jim Gordon (May 2024)

OwenBargreen.com: 99 Points "A world-class wine from this vintage, the 2021 ‘Monte Bello' combines 64% Cabernet Sauvignon with 31%Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. Beautiful dark rose petals combine with green bell pepper, cuban cigar, and wild blackberry. The palate is soft and seamless as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. A total head-turner, with tremendous mouthfeel, refined tannins and a light dusting of salinity, this beauty will cellar well for at least another twenty years to come. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year. Drink 2025-2050." -Owen Bargreen (May 2024)

Decanter: 98 Points "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." -Clive Pursehouse (September 2024)

Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points + Cellar Selection "This ageworthy classic is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this vintage. The nose offers focused aromas of blackberry, toasted herb and light caramel with a hint of cocoa dust. The firm, leathery palate feels like it will last forever, as waves of berry, herb, pepper, clove and pencil shavings flow on. Drink now-2045." -Matt Kettmann (June 2024)

Robert Parker Wine Advocate: 96 Points "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." -Matthew Luczy (April 2024)

JebDunnuck.com: 96 Points "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in mostly new American oak. It reminds me of the 2016 with its beautifully balanced, seamless style, and it has a riveting perfume of pure crème de cassis, sweet tobacco, lead pencil shavings, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and absolutely seamless, it's a gorgeous Monte Bello that's surprisingly already accessible, yet it won't hit full maturity for 7-8 years but will have 30+ years of longevity." -Jeb Dunnuck (August 2024)

Wine Spectator: 95 Points "A nice, strapping, muscular Cabernet, with mouthwatering notes of licorice snap, rye and apple wood framing its burly core of red and black currant paste flavors. a long, grippy cast iron accent drives the finish along, with echoes of sweet bay and tobacco. This is distinctive and built to last. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2028 through 2040." -J.M. (July 2024)

Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains Red Wine 2021

Ridge Monte Bello 2021 is a stunning red wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains, representing the pinnacle of Ridge's winemaking expertise. This iconic Bordeaux-style blend offers remarkable complexity, structure, and elegance, making it a standout vintage that will only improve with age.

Tasting Notes:

• Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, with subtle notes of cedar and spice.
• A layered palate with flavors of ripe plum, blackcurrant, and chocolate, accented by hints of tobacco and earth.
• Well-integrated tannins and bright acidity provide structure and balance.
• A long, elegant finish with lingering fruit and mineral notes.

Additional Information:

• Varietal Composition: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Alcohol Content: 13.5%
• Please note, this item is not shipped in the original packaging.

Winery Information: Ridge Vineyards is renowned for producing world-class wines from California's Santa Cruz Mountains. Monte Bello is their flagship wine, known for its exceptional aging potential and complex, nuanced character. The 2021 vintage is a testament to Ridge's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, offering a bold yet refined expression of this celebrated terroir. Perfect for cellaring or enjoying with fine cuisine.