2020 Ridge, California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 1x750ml

Vinous 87/100

The 2020 Monte Bello opens with a burst of dark red fruit. Leather, tobacco and mocha open nicely in the glass. There’s no getting past smoke taint in this wine. That’s a shame, as the flavors are nicely delineated and the tannins are well balanced for the year in this small-scaled Monte Bello. The 2020 has signs of taint when I tasted it from barrel, so I can’t say I am terribly surprised. [Antonio Galloni, 07/11/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2030