|
The Monte Bello is the wine that introduced Ridge to the world, and the world to Ridge. It is a blend of Bordeaux varietals in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates. This year's estate red blend is 76% Cabernet, with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is a seamless, beautifully structured red that leads with aromas of cassis, plum, and is grounded by a finely grained minerality and a dark complement of oak. Its youthful flavors fall into deep blue cassis fruit, but the wine's texture is masterful, full and powerful.
International Wine Cellar
"Ruby-red. Brooding aromas of cassis, blackberry, minerals, bitter
chocolate, tobacco and fresh herbs. Fat, broad and sweet, with
nicely integrated acidity and complex hints of leather, herbs,
licorice, chocolate and minerals. This cheek-coating wine is a bit
more filled in than the 2003 release. Finishes with superfine
tannins and lovely subtle persistence." Score:91-94 barrel tasting
Score: 94.
—Stephen Tanzer,
September
2007.
Wine Advocate
The 2004 Monte Bello (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) reveals a similar dark ruby/purple color, but it is not as thick looking as the 2003 or 2005. A lighter, more elegant example of Monte Bello, the finesse-styled 2004 does not possess the power one normally sees in this wine. It offers pure fruit, a pretty, St.-Julien-like style, notes of cedar, spice box, herbs, background oak, and red as well as black currants, and silky tannin. It is capable of lasting 15-20 years.
Score: 91.
—Robert Parker,
February
2010.
|
|
Price:$139.99 in mixed case $125.99 SKU11153 |  |
Send to a friend
print cellar notes
|
