1986 Ridge, California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 1x750ml

Robert Parker 84

Tasted at David Pope’s Monte Bello dinner in London. This has a herbaceous nose, quite austere and lacking some fruit concentration. Is that a touch of anis developing? The palate is rather coarse, a bit fluffy and lacking definition. Ripe sweet pruney, raisined finish but it lacks breeding overall. Again, I think this pales against other Monte Bellos. Tasted January 2006. [01/01/2006]

Vinous 86

Medium red, with brick at the rim. Evolved aromas of plum, animal fur, mocha, cedar, game and roast coffee. Supple in texture but a wine with only modest depth, nuance and flavor development. Finishes with slightly dry but light tannins and notes of leather and autumn leaves. Short by the standards of Monte Bello. [Stephen Tanzer, 09/01/2000]