Ridge Vineyards is described as “the most internationally admired producer of American Cabernet Sauvignon” by the Oxford Companion to Wine. Since the first commercial release of Monte Bello in 1962, there are very few American wines that have racked up the accolades this one has: everything from a top-five finish in the 1976 Judgement of Paris to four perfect scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Monte Bello is all about a sense of place. Cabernet Sauvignon and sister Bordeaux varieties sit high atop the Santa Cruz Mountains on a shelf of decomposed limestone and Franciscan rock, in one of the coolest sites to grow Cabernet in California. 

This 2011 has hit its sweet spot. Decant for an hour or two and then admire its great structure, staggering complexity, and impeccable balance. The wine is still showing off a saturated ruby-purple hue with slight brick edges. Marvelously scented rich mountain bramble fruit meets an array of tertiary notes, including anise, cardamom, and flint. Blackberry and cassis notes coat the palate with hints of coffee, forest floor, and crushed rocks. The true marker for “Monte Bello” is the elegant chalky tannins and refreshing acidity that makes it way on the back end to set up for a seamless finish. Have a backup so you can tuck one away for another decade!