2016 Ridge, California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 1x750ml

Robert Parker 93

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Monte Bello Vineyard is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 17 months in American oak (35% new). It has a medium to deep ruby color with scents of blackcurrant, chocolate-covered cherries, cedar, cigar box, red fruit sparks, dried flowers and blackcurrant bud plus notions of graphite and iron. Medium to full-bodied, it offers wonderfully lush fruits and firmly integrated, classically rustic tannins, seamless freshness and a long, savory finish. [Erin Brooks, 09/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2038

Vinous 94-97

The 2016 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel and after its second blending, is shaping up to be another jewel of a wine. The flavor profile is on the darker side, and there is plenty of mid-palate sweetness, while the tannins are ripe and remarkably soft for such a young Monte Bello. It is clearly early days, but the 2016 appears to have a very bright future ahead of it. [Antonio Galloni, 01/08/2017]