
2016 Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon
100
Vinous
Review Date: 09/2024The 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)
Product Availability
Professional Reviews
98
Int'l Wine Review
Review Date: 11/2019
97
Jeb Dunnuck
Review Date: 02/2019
96
Wine Advocate
Review Date: 04/2024
Notes
98 points, Antonio Galloni for Vinous: "One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2016 Monte Bello has turned out just as beautifully as I hoped it would. Soaring aromatics, bright acids and mid-weight structure give the 2016 a super-classic feel. Clearly, the 2016 is very primary today, with plenty of bright red and purplish berry fruit. More than that, though, the 2016 pulses with energy and simply exceptional balance. Don't miss it!" (6/2019)
Product Details
Origin: Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States
Type/Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
SKU: #1412931