Ridge Estate Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Museum Release

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc

“Monte Bello’s Cabernet Sauvignon vines are grown on a sliver of the sedimentary Pacific sea bed in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California. The wine was mostly (90%) matured in American oak barrels for sixteen months and provides a voluptuous nose of coffee, tobacco and primary black fruits. On the palate, were more of the same, together with intense, juicy black cherries, damson and cassis. Great vivacity and freshness, it was all wrapped up in dense yet ripe and grainy tannins and beguilingly low alcohol, just 12.8%. The finish was long, savoury and immensely satisfying.” Rated 18.5/20pts - Decanter (July 2015).

The 2011 Monte Bello (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc) emerges from the glass with tobacco, grilled herbs, smoke, incense and plums melding together in this soft, beautifully textured Monte Bello. The 2011 is a wine of exceptional textural finesse. The 100% new oak is totally integrated. In 2011, Ridge used a total of 18 of a possible 24 lots for the final blend. The presence of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon is the highest since the 1980s. I expect the 2011 to be a relatively early drinking Monte Bello, but time will be the judge. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2031. 93-95 Points - Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate (August 2012)