1997 Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon

Another of the highlights in the flight, matching the ’10 for its still-grippy, vibrant, dense and vivid range of black currant, fig paste and blackberry compote flavors. Bristles with energy through the finish, stretching out with very long threads of savory, cedar and mineral. This still has a long way to go. (JM)

The product of a generous crop and a balmy vintage, the 1997 Monte Bello continues to show beautifully, wafting from the glass with an expressive bouquet of cassis, dried cherries, menthol and loamy soil, lavishly framed by new American oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, supple and open-knit, with largely melted tannins and a generous personality, which is all tied together by the bright thread of acidity that's such a signature of this site. Despite being seemingly fully mature, an open bottle held up beautifully over three days. (WK)