Ridge Vineyards
Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Merlot
On the nose, ripe, slightly syrupy quality of; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blueberry pie, baking spices and dark floral bouquet. M tannins, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blue fruits, boysenberries, light dry crushed rock earthiness, sap, mint, violets, fresh dark florals, black cherry cola, touch of black licorice, round fresh fruit with vey high acidity...a little too high. Already drinking nicely. Fresh and drinks smoothly...14 was a drought vintage at this site. Photos of one of their vineyards, Winemaker Eric Baugher who is hosting our tasting and beautiful Ridge grape cluster. 13.8% alcohol.
On the nose, ripe, slightly syrupy quality of; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blueberry pie, baking spices and dark floral bouquet. M tannins, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, blue fruits, boysenberries, light dry crushed rock earthiness, sap, mint, violets, fresh dark florals, black cherry cola, touch of black licorice, round fresh fruit with vey high acidity...a little too high. Already drinking nicely. Fresh and drinks smoothly...14 was a drought vintage at this site. Photos of one of their vineyards, Winemaker Eric Baugher who is hosting our tasting and beautiful Ridge grape cluster. 13.8% alcohol.
1 person found it helpfulJun 3rd, 2017Wow this is superlative stuff. Beautifully expressive old world nose. Abundant raisin, acid more prominent on the palate, plum, flowers, call me nuts but kind of reminds me of young nebbiolo? Petroleum, cola finish. Quite a marriage of opposing flavor profiles. Great fluidity and vision.
Wow this is superlative stuff. Beautifully expressive old world nose. Abundant raisin, acid more prominent on the palate, plum, flowers, call me nuts but kind of reminds me of young nebbiolo? Petroleum, cola finish. Quite a marriage of opposing flavor profiles. Great fluidity and vision.
Jun 9th, 2017Very approachable red fruit, soft tannins and mouth watering acidity.
Very approachable red fruit, soft tannins and mouth watering acidity.
Jun 4th, 2016Thoroughly impressed with this merlot. Balanced oak with cherry.
Thoroughly impressed with this merlot. Balanced oak with cherry.
Apr 10th, 2016Have had so many wines from Ridge over the years, but have never had their Merlot until now. Lots of the signature new American oak, which would likely be tamed with 8-10 years of cellar time. I just don't have that time. Hold on to it folks.
Have had so many wines from Ridge over the years, but have never had their Merlot until now. Lots of the signature new American oak, which would likely be tamed with 8-10 years of cellar time. I just don't have that time. Hold on to it folks.
Mar 10th, 2016Drier than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps more of a clear taste
Drier than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps more of a clear taste
Dec 20th, 2023