Ridge 2016 Historic Vineyards & Monte Bello Tasting

Wine preparation

All wines were purchased direct from the winery. The single variety bottles upon release back in 2020 and the Monte Bello with a futures order received in 2019. They have been stored at 55 degrees since receipt. The wines were removed from the cellar after several days standing up to encourage any sediment to gather at the bottom of the bottle. They were then carefully transferred into Riedel Merlot decanters leaving all particulate matter in the bottle. The bottles were rinsed and allowed to air dry. The decanters were covered and sealed to avoid any contamination and placed in a refrigerator for 90 minutes to chill. The final step returned them to the bottles with the corks partially inserted for the short trip to the tasting location. All corks were removed and the tasting began approximately three hours after the initial decant.

Tasting and notes

The tasting was done in two flights, Cabernet Franc & Merlot then Cabernet Sauvignon & Monte Bello, via approximately 2 oz pours in Riedel Vinum XL stems.

2016 Ridge Cabernet Franc Rousten (V 90 – 93)

This wine, like all the others, represented the Santa Cruz mountain AVA first and foremost. Even above the grape variety. At just 13.5% ABV, there was a welcomed lack of heat on the nose accompanying subtle notes of red cherry, lavender, menthol, and light spice. The American oak was present, but not overtly by any means. Fruit, acid, and tannin were all very much in balance across the mid-palate. One taster noted that this may have been the most enjoyable pure Cabernet Franc wine that he ever has tasted. A great start with three more wines to come.

2016 Ridge Merlot Torre (V 91 – 94)

Akin to the Rousten Cab Franc, the Torre Merlot lead with the terroir but featured black cherry, lavender, menthol, spice, & dark plum. It was plush in the mouth and featured the softest, polished, but still present tannin. At just 13% ABV this wine was pure pleasure in a glass. The Merlot may have been the overall favorite single variety wine of all 8 tasters in the group. Superbly balanced and hitting on all cylinders, it is in a perfect spot if you like freshness, balance, and plush mouthfeel in a Merlot. Simply gorgeous.

2016 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Klein (V 92 – 95)

The Klein Cabernet Sauvignon was the closest to on point for the variety balancing the classic black fruit, graphite, and power with the terroir driven notes of sage, lavender, & menthol found in the others. This wine could easily go on for a decade or more as it was still extremely youthful with grippy tannin, bright acidity, and ample fruit. Measuring in at the highest ABV of 13.7%, it clearly is the foundation for the flagship Monte Bello. Only due to its youth would I rate it below the other two wines, but clearly there will be improvement over the coming years in the bottle. Power and finesse together in this lovely example of outstanding pedigree and winemaking skill.

2016 Monte Bello (WA 96+ 2024 – 2054, JR 18.5++ 2028 – 2050, V 100 2027 – 2056) The 2016 Monte Bello is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 100% new oak. 13.7% ABV, pH 3.49 at bottling. It has a medium to deep ruby color with the rim still bright showing no bricking. The nose features cedar, pencil box, black cherry, redcurrant and menthol. The oak treatment is spot on in harmony with the terroir of earth, stone, and spices. The palate additionally exhibits blueberry, gravel, charcoal, and India ink. Tannins are firm but softening and balance perfectly against the bright acidity. The finish is long and lustrous showing layers of complexity, still building in the wines youthful stage. This is an outstanding wine. Clearly the Monte Bello is far greater than simply the sum of its parts. Highly recommended for anyone who prefers balance and complexity over bombastic in your face offerings.