Anyone plan on buying? I know it’s early (no allocations yet), but wondering how the Santa Cruz vintage in 2013 will compare to 2012.
I think MB is one of those super safe wines that produces a delicious wine regardless of the vintage. are some better than others? yes, but the “bad” ones are still tasty and they have traditionally be a solid QPR on futures.
I don’t buy, because last I looked they started bundling.
Unless that started this year, they do not bundle. I’ve bought a two-pak every year for the past several years and that’s it.
This was discussed in a previous thread, someone from ridge was able clarify that there is no bundling. I agree, the previous language on their site makes it seem that way, but it looks like they’ve cleaned that up.
I am a buyer, hoping to also make one of the assemblage or component tastings as well.
I don’t recall they ever bundled. To me it’s always been one of the great values in world-class wine.
We won’t make an assemblage event this year but will in 2015!
I’m not familiar with their program – can someone who is chime in? What’s the futures offer price (list), and the delta relative to expected retail? When do they estimate delivery?
Last April (I think) we bought our 2012 MB at ~ $85/btl. These bottles will become available to us next spring and as stated above we will pick them up!
I’m hoping to make my first one this April.
I believe they bundle for their general MB membership, but not their MB futures.
If you’re going to buy any wine as futures without tasting first, MB seems like a safe bet.
Last year ordered late in february. 9L total allocation. Mags double mags etc… card was charged in april. The 750ml price was 95.00 last year. Mags are a bit more than 190. I think they were 204.00.
they absolutely do not require you to buy any other wines with this program. But they sure do let you know about great offers alongside your enrollment.
Here’s hoping for no price increase.
Kevin:
Delivery takes place 2 years after you buy. For this year’s 2013 futures, delivery will be in the spring of 2015. Really one of the best futures purchases I make. First tranche pricing is hard to come by for those of us not inside the industry. But the prices have been creeping up and if they go any higher, I won’t be buying.
According to my CT records, prices have gone up $5 every year. I’ve bought a two-pack of Monte Bello since the 2010 vintage. That was $85 per, 2011 was $90 per, and 2012 was $95 per. (These are for 750mL bottles.) With that, I would imagine the 2013 will be $100 per. Is anyone seeing different prices?
To date, you haven’t had to bundle with MB futures but you have had to buy a minimum of two bottles. I will be buying 2013.
It’s fun but extremely crowded. If you’re going to be in the area an extra day and haven’t done their tasting at Monte Bello (I forget what it’s called, but it’s the most expensive one…), you should try to get in on that. It’s totally worth the price of admission and a much better experience.
Spencer,
The day after sounds interesting. Do they charge for the monte bello tasting for members?
Before I joined the MB futures program I purchased all my monte bello through MacArthurs in DC. The are the only retailer that I know of that sells MB futures. The price is usually no more than $5-$10 more than winery futures price. It looks like they still have the 2011 available at $99, 2012 seems to be sold out and they will probably offer the 2013 sometime this year.
I don’t know if they’re having this tasting the day after. What I was referring to is their normal Monte Bello tasting. I would call ahead to ask since with all the stuff going on, they may very well not have it on the days surrounding the bigger event.
If I remember, it’s the $20 one here: Monte Bello - Ridge Vineyards. What makes it really enjoyable is that it’s a small group event and you get to talk with someone about the wines. The person who led ours was not a winemaker but very knowledgable. It sounds like this particular tasting is not free for members, per the website at least. I don’t remember the actual practices… it’s been a few years.
I THINK I recall that futures are going to be $95 again this year, but not sure. Either way, I joined the Monte Bello club when we visited late last year, and plan to purchase at least my 2 bottles every vintage, as - and others have also stated - it’s about the safest best for any Cab you can get, vintage-wise. On great vintages, I’ll probably double up or more. I plan to buy as much Chardonnay as I can once I get my MB Club notice, as I was able to try my first one recently and found it to be a near dead-ringer for our favorite - Dehlinger - yet with an even crisper finish.
The good thing about the MB club is that you can easily adjust the number of bottles you purchase in any given year (I’ve been getting a half case for years). Given the consistent quality, flexibility, pricing and member benefits (assemblage tastings, etc.) this is as close to a “must-have” wine club as I can imagine.
+1 on all of the positive comments above. We have been buying Ridge Monte Bello futures since the 2001 vintage, when it was (I believe) $70 per bottle. The 2008’s and 2009’s were $80 per bottle, and last year the 2012 was $95 per. Less than 50% of an increase over more than ten vintages. To me, it is well worth the tariff, as we continue to be buyers.
One small correction from what Gerald mentioned is that I believe the 2013’s will arrive in 2016 as the 2011 vintage is being distrubuted this year. We have never been required to bundle any wines in order to purchase Monte Bello futures, but being in the “Monte Bello Club” does allow you to buy other wines at a discount for case or half-case purchases. As Mike mentioned above, the combination of member benefits is outstanding, especially if one lives close to Cupertino or Healdsburg.
Thanks,
Ed