2016 Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Monte Bello is a masterful expression of this lauded site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s powerful, broad and infinitely layered, but it also possesses an incredibly finessed tannin structure that speaks clearly and forcefully but yields dutifully. Saturated blueberry, gravel, eucalyptus, charcoal, cedar and India ink build gradually and steadily through the long and sizzling finish. Just beginning to soften and develop beyond the primary stage, it wouldn’t be a crime to open a bottle now, but this has many, many lives left to live and should be even better (if you can fathom) in a few more years. This is what Monte Bello is all about. (BN)

The 2016 Monte Bello is a drop-dead gorgeous release from Ridge. Composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc this stunning wine begins with seductive aromatics of fresh black currants and dark cherries which are woven together with flowers, graphite, herbs, tobacco and hints of earthy minerals that all take shape beautifully. On the palate this possesses a wonderful full-bodied texture with outstanding structure and remarkable overall balance and concentration. It continues to thoroughly impress as it goes on to display incredible purity and precision all the way through the beautiful long finish. The 2016 has it all, and while it is already extremely appealing, yet could also evolve gracefully for decades. This certainly has the potential to become one of great vintages for Monte Bello. (JD)