Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1991

9.7

Of all the American red wines that participated in the Judgement of Paris, it could be argued that Monte Bello has shown the greatest propensity to age. In fact, I would go as far as it requires lengthy cellaring to extract its best. I’ve had the good fortune to drink a number of tremendous vintages of Monte Bello over the last several years and this one has got to be at or near the top of the lot.

Opened and poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1991 Monte Bello pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core moving out towards a light ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart black currants, mixed bramble fruit, tobacco, some purple flowers, dill, mint, leather, earth, vanilla and associated baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. The structure remains tremendous which again, seems to indicate youth. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is super long and immensely satisfying. This is one of those wines that will outlive most humans. Drinking well now with a short decant but this has the gas to see 2061 with ease. — 13 days ago

Andrew, Tom and 15 others liked this

Peter van den Besselaar

Wow

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Oh hell yes.

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Very 😎

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Sori dij But Dogliani Dolcetto

Jenn Ingle

9.0

Nose - soil, wet stone and petrichor/rainy day. Main flavors - delicate stone fruit like plum, cherry and an after taste of fruit pits. Mouthfeel - silky upfront and the a little bit of acid and zing on the back. Really approachable wine. Don’t sleep on dolcetto! Lovely wine. — 19 days ago