Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.460 ratings
9.318 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Top Notes For
Connor Smith

I believe Ridge is the greatest winery in America. My long-form case is at leduwines.com/blogs/connor/ridge 🇺🇸🍷

Full disclosure: they’re my home team! I’ve been hiking on Monte Bello ridge since I was a child, and took every opportunity I could do drive Skyline Boulevard while living in the Bay. It’s no wonder to me that these vines are so happy.

With the retirement of the great Paul Draper in 2016, three men - Eric Baugher, John Olney, and David Gates - have taken up stewardship of the legendary estate. All three have been with Ridge at least twenty years.

There is no doubt: the principles instilled by David Bennion and perfected by Paul Draper are alive and well. If anything, Ridge is entering yet another golden era, and will continue leading American wine toward its most authentic self.

Signature: Eric Baugher

I believe Ridge is the greatest winery in America. My long-form case is at leduwines.com/blogs/connor/ridge 🇺🇸🍷

Full disclosure: they’re my home team! I’ve been hiking on Monte Bello ridge since I was a child, and took every opportunity I could do drive Skyline Boulevard while living in the Bay. It’s no wonder to me that these vines are so happy.

With the retirement of the great Paul Draper in 2016, three men - Eric Baugher, John Olney, and David Gates - have taken up stewardship of the legendary estate. All three have been with Ridge at least twenty years.

There is no doubt: the principles instilled by David Bennion and perfected by Paul Draper are alive and well. If anything, Ridge is entering yet another golden era, and will continue leading American wine toward its most authentic self.

Signature: Eric Baugher

Aug 23rd, 2019
Andrew S

Fantastic. Still young, and I'd recommend holding but great depth and balance. Plenty of fruit with many interesting notes.

Fantastic. Still young, and I'd recommend holding but great depth and balance. Plenty of fruit with many interesting notes.

Jul 16th, 2017
Matt

Stewed plums, wet leather, mushrooms, earth, cinnamon, dried violets, umami, dill. So graceful and elegant and enough juicy fruit with great bottle age notes shinning through.

Stewed plums, wet leather, mushrooms, earth, cinnamon, dried violets, umami, dill. So graceful and elegant and enough juicy fruit with great bottle age notes shinning through.

Sep 1st, 2016
Chris Leon

In such a sweet primary spot. Just about to turn the corner. Absolutely delicious

In such a sweet primary spot. Just about to turn the corner. Absolutely delicious

Aug 25th, 2016
Drew Dodson

03 at its peak and delicious!

03 at its peak and delicious!

May 23rd, 2016
Austin Beeman

Finest Provenance available - Tasted at Winery. The color was dark red. The nose was overripe with warm tones and funky stewed tomatoes. The palate was dark blueberry, chocolate, and dust. Very little acid left with a viscous texture on the tongue. A short fading finish. A big disappointment as Ridge Monte Bello is always much better than this. Maybe and off bottle or vintage? $400 Winery Retail. www.austinbeeman.com

Finest Provenance available - Tasted at Winery. The color was dark red. The nose was overripe with warm tones and funky stewed tomatoes. The palate was dark blueberry, chocolate, and dust. Very little acid left with a viscous texture on the tongue. A short fading finish. A big disappointment as Ridge Monte Bello is always much better than this. Maybe and off bottle or vintage? $400 Winery Retail. www.austinbeeman.com

Mar 18th, 2016
BurgundyFan

Fresh, blueberry jam, cinnamon, warm vintage, very good

Fresh, blueberry jam, cinnamon, warm vintage, very good

Aug 8th, 2015
Bradley Brown

Owner/Winemaker Big Basin Vineyards

9.5

Delicious

Delicious

Aug 2nd, 2014
Steve Bachmann

As good as it gets. Had this in a London restaurant for 70 pounds! Must have been mis-priced.

As good as it gets. Had this in a London restaurant for 70 pounds! Must have been mis-priced.

Feb 18th, 2014
Jim Nelson

2003 beauteousness. Because: Desperate times call for…

2003 beauteousness. Because: Desperate times call for…

Mar 27th, 2020