2021 Monte Bello Receives Three 100-Point Scores

Blog Post

October 2024

We are thrilled to share not one, not two, but three perfect scores for the 2021 vintage of Monte Bello. The sources of these ratings come from esteemed wine writers Karen MacNeil, Wilfred Wong, and Jim Gordon, Executive Editor at JamesSuckling.com. Read more about the wine and the comments it has garnered below.

The Ratings

WineSpeed: 100 Points 

“No Cabernet is more iconic than Ridge Monte Bello. It’s won every award imaginable, and it came in first in the official 30-Year Re-enactment of the famous Paris Tasting of 1976. When I tasted this 2021 vintage, it was just after the final games of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. All I could think of was how much this wine reminded me of the gymnast Simone Biles—Monte Bello is a powerhouse of strength and energy, and yet also lifted, seemingly propelled into the air. The 2021 Monte Bello is cooling and vibrant and rich of course, but it also has a compelling choreography. Fast then slow then fast again. It’s a head trip. Buy a bottle or two now while you can. You’ll be happy you did.” -Karen MacNeil (September 2024)

JamesSuckling.com: 100 Points 

“Tightly wound at this stage, the wine is massively concentrated, taut, yet trim and medium-bodied. Aged in 100% new oak, predominantly American, it offers espresso, blackberry, black cherry and vanilla bean flavors with a linear intensity and drive. Known to age and improve for several decades, this is one of California’s most collectible cabs and from a classic, age-worthy vintage. Best from 2031.” -Jim Gordon (May 2024)

Wilfred Wong: 100 Points 

“The Ridge Monte Bello Red Wine, one of the world’s most iconic wines, stands tall again. First produced in 1962, this wine continues to amaze me. This vintage excels with aromas and flavors of early summer blackberries, fragrant spices, and hints of chalk. Enjoy it with a grilled American Ribeye or a French Entrecote. (Best Served: 2028-2041)” (September 2024)

About Monte Bello

Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains

Monte Bello is first and foremost a wine of place. That place – high atop the Santa Cruz Mountains underlain by decomposing limestone and Franciscan rock – produces a wine unlike any other. It is our belief that this vineyard is capable of creating a wine of great significance, depth, complexity, and aging potential.

Related Links

• Monte Bello Vintage Tracker
• Monte Bello Among Top 25 Wineries to Visit in 2024
• Pre-Industrial Winemaking
• Decanter Reviews New RIDGE Releases