High in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Monte Bello estate was originally planted to vines in 1886. While suffering the effects of Prohibition in the 1930s and 40s, the revival of the vineyard began with a re-planting programme in 1949. The wine is compsed of around three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder made up of varying proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This distinguished site gives rise to a highly distinctive wine, with wild mountain berry fruit riding atop tea-like firm tannic structure, a definite mineral presence and a long, satisfying finish.
Monte Bello
Ridge
Single
£288.00
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Press Review
97/100 - Deep and fascinating nose of dry earth, cedar, black olive and candied orange, as well as a slew of delicate, spicy notes. Rich, concentrated and extremely well structured, this has stacks of fine tannins that push the stony finish way out towards infinity. Still so much vitality! A cuvee of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 4% petit verdot.
Press Review
96/100 - The 2010 growing season was long and cool, reflecting the influence of an El Niño year, defined by a short but intense heat wave in late August. But whereas Ridge's Sonoma County vineyards experienced a high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit for two days, Monte Bello ridge only reached 105 degrees. The ensuing 2010 Monte Bello is very classic in profile, offering up aromas of crushed cassis, plums, cigar tobacco, rich loamy soil, black tea and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a deep and concentrated core of vibrantly crunchy fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, tangy finish that's still youthfully chewy. Though the two vintages are very close in quality, the 2010 is very different in profile from the somewhat larger scaled 2012: it's less expansive, but built around a brighter vertical line. I'd recommend cellaring it for an additional three or four years and don't expect it to truly hit its stride until after 2025. The blend is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, and it attained 13.2% natural alcohol. Drink 2022-2045
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Product Specification
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ColourRed
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CountryUnited States of America
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RegionCalifornia
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Sub RegionSanta Cruz Mountains
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StyleMedium to Full Bodied
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ClosureNatural Cork
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SKUM6186110
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Alcohol %13%
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GrapeCabernet Sauvignon
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Unit Volume75cl