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ridge, california cabernet sauvignon monte bello, santa cruz mountains 2011
DECANTER
96
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE
95

2011 ridge, california cabernet sauvignon monte bello, santa cruz mountains

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Why We're Buying

Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon is a Bordeaux-style red blend that has defines the wine industry in California. The fruit is sourced from a vineyard on the southern-facing slopes of red volcanic soils in the Santa Cruz mountains from 60+ years old vines. The result is a wine that critic Wilfred Wong called "one of the greatest achievements in the history of wine." To date, Monte Bello has received seven 100-point ratings from critics.

Critics Scores

DECANTER
96

Decanter

Dried mulberry, brick dust and rosemary aromas intertwine with Monte Bello’s signature sweet n’ sour scent. Seamless, pure and plump on the palate, with flavours of dried blueberry, fig and dried cherry. The finish is firm and rustic, ending with notes of ash, cocoa powder and cherry skins. Still in its youth, but beginning to reveal itself.

ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE
95

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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. Range: 93-95

JAMES SUCKLING
94

James Suckling

I love the mineral, lead pencil and blackberry aromas and flavors in this. Full yet refined and ultra clean. Fantastic. Why wait on this?

VINOUS
94

Vinous

Ridge's 2011 Monte Bello shows beautifully, even next to some of the more important vintages that are part of this vertical. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, spices and graphite form an attractive core of flavors and textures. The 2011 is a bit slender and likely to mature earlier than some of the more structured vintages, but that only contributes to its near and medium-term accessibility. Hints of sage, lavender and black fruits add the final shades of nuance. This is one of the better showings of the 2011 from bottle. (AG)