Ridge Monte Bello 2019

There's generous depth of flavour and structured tannins showing just how brilliant this wine will become.

Monte Bello is one of the great Bordeaux blends of the world. It has often been called America’s First Growth, as it is the finest domestic example of a classic Bordeaux blend in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates. The team at Ridge let this unique vineyard site create the wine rather than try to steer it toward a particular style in the cellar.

Abundant winter rainfall followed by warm spring weather created ideal growing conditions. With the exception of merlot, the vines set a big crop. Fortunately, a long warm summer fully ripened all varietals in early October. During blind tastings, a record forty-one separate lots were assembled to create this vintage of Monte Bello. 

To celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2022, Ridge Vineyards hosted a landmark tasting of 20 vintages of Monte Bello, which comprehensively demonstrated the longevity and balance for which Monte Bello is renowned. As the youngest wine on show, the 2019 Monte Bello showed delightful youthful fruit, concentration and complexity. Enjoyable for the next 25-30 years.

JamesSuckling.com: 99 Points “This is a very powerful Monte Bello with currants and blackberry, black licorice and smoked meat. Mint. Some sesame seed, too. It’s full-bodied with incredible darkness and saltiness like volcanic salt. Umami. Grilled seaweed. Flavorful and captivating. It goes on for minutes. Try after 2025, but this may age forever.” -James Suckling (November 2022)

98 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
98 Points – Karen MacNeil, Decanter
98 Points – Dr. Liz Thach, MW, Forbes
97 Points – Erin Brooks, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
97 Points – Owen Bargreen, OwenBargreen.com
96 Points + Cellar Selection – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
95 Points – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Organically Grown

The Judgement of Paris | About the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting (ridgewine.com)

*Order to be placed before 1pm Monday - Friday for next working day delivery.

** Order to be placed before 1pm Friday

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