1976 Monte Bello

In this excellent vintage, the young Cabernet vines on the Ridge were picked just at maturity, while the old vines were late picked. The varietal fruit of the former complemented the additional intensity of the latter to produce this full, rich wine. Although it should begin to soften enough to enjoy sooner, the 76 vintage will continue to develop if laid down for five to ten years.

Ridge wine is made with an emphasis on quality and naturalness that is rarely attempted. Our grapes are grown in select vineyards (usually identified on the label), where they are left to ripen to peak maturity, often at some loss of quantity. We let the wine settle and age in small barrels, with only rare cellar treatment other than racking. Varieties are not blended unless so indicated on the label. Near Black Mountain on Monte Bello Ridge, our main vineyard is 10 miles south of Palo Alto, 15 miles inland from the ocean, and over 2000 feet in elevation.

Average Rating: 90.5

No. of Tasting Notes: 17

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