TN: Ridge MonteBello '99 & '19....(short/boring)

WINE TALK
#1

We tasted this pair at our Cabernet tasting at Pig+Fig on Wed:

  1. Ridge MonteBello Calif MonteBelloVnyd/SantaCruzMtns (13.0%; 72% CabSauv/25% Merlot/2% CabFranc/1% PetiteVerdot; Y=166 tons from 105 acres; 42% Slctn; bttld March 2001; 93% air-dried Am.oak/7% Fr.oak; Drk: 1/01-1/11-1/16: PD) 1999: Very dark color w/ slight bricking; strong smokey/coffee bean/toasty/smokey/oak some blackcurranty/Cab/licorice/pencilly/cedary rather complex nose; lightly tart strong blackcurranty/Cab/earthy/slight herbal strong coffee bean/toasty/oak slight angular/astringent quite complex flavor w/ light hard tannins; very long/lingering strong blackcurranty/Cab/licorice/pungent coffee bean/toasty/smokey/oak slight earthy/herbal slight earthy/dusty/OV/herbal rather complex finish w/ light hard tannins; still seems like a youthful MonteBello but showing some slight hard/drying edges.
  1. Ridge MonteBello MonteBelloVnyd/SantaCruzMtns (13.7%; 82% CabSauv/9% Merlot/8% PetiteVerdot/1% CabFranc; Y=143 tons from 65 acres; bttld June 2021; Drk: 4/21-4/46-4/51: JO) 2019: Very dark color; very strong coffee bean/espresso/pungent/smokey/oak/toasty very strong ripe/blackcurranty/Cab slight dusty/OV/earthy some complex nose very youthful nose; some tart/tangy very strong blackcurranty/Cab/bit herbal/earthy strong toasty/coffee bean/pungent/oak classic young MB bit complex flavor w/ ample hard tannins; very long/lingering strong blackcurranty/Cab/dusty/OV/bit earthy/herbal strong toasty/smokey/oak bit complex finish w/ ample chewey tannins; a very classic MB Cab that baly needs age to resolve the tannins but absolutely superb to drink now. $155 (MBC)

A wee BloodyPulpit:

  1. My latest MB Cab arrived a few weeks ago, so decided to pare it w/ an older MonteBello. Both were classic distinctive MonteBellos. From the drinking window, John must think it’s an exceptional Cab. Can’t tell it by me.
    Tom
1 Like
#2

So the 2019 isn’t an exception cab or you just don’t think it will last 30+ years? Didn’t get your meaning.

Thanks for the notes.

#3

Well, Justin… what I’m trying to convey is that there was nothing about this MB that was strikingly outstanding that made me
wanta stand up & shout to the ceiling that you must buy this. That happens maybe 1-2 every decade when I try a young MB.
Oftentimes when it’s a large component of Cab and it takes me back to the days of the DaveBennion MB’s.
That said…this is a classic MB Cab, as good as it gets, & I have no reason to doubt John’s drinking window. I’m happy to
own two more btls.
Tom

2 Likes
#4

Thanks Tom. What do you think are the more exceptional vintages in the last decade or so?

#5

Well, Justin… I don’t drink them enough & side-by-side to offer up an opinion. I remember I really liked the '10 from barrel because its high level of Cab reminded me of the Dave Bennions of old. But when I had it from btl, it didn’t blow me away as much.
MonteBello you can’t go wrong. Very distinctive and always a standout. Just not worth arguing how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. Sorry.
Tom

#6

Got two '19’s chilling out on their sides. I’n half tempted to open one, but will see if I can hold off.