2018 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (5/5/2021)
Dark, opaque garnet, nose has hints of American oak, but is not dominated by it; impressively deep, flavors of dark berries, with a distinct blackberry/boysenberry streak, there is great weight and density, tremendous acidity, which actually stands out over the substantial but fairly smooth tannins. Unlike a young Napa cab at this age, this is dominated more by fruit than by oak, which takes a distinct back seat. Gorgeous wine, unusually deep and intense, even for young Monte Bello. This shows off in spades all the potential cabernet made in California can have. (94 pts.)
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I remember seeing you at the one of the component tastings in 2019 when they were pouring an assemblage of the 2018, along with the 2016, and how almost everyone there was talking positively about the 2018. I haven’t had it since but look forward to trying it. Thanks for the note, Alan!
Ed
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Glen of 2041 thanks you for this note.
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