1979 Monte Bello

In this unusual year our Monte Bello vineyard ripened several weeks earlier than is typical and by the time most of the grapes could be picked they were well beyond full maturity. Due to this and other conditions almost all the vineyard was excluded from this wine, as it was not in the claret style we attempt. Only three barrels from less ripe vines of Bordeaux stock at our 2600 ft. vineyard were bottled as Monte Bello. Though less rich in style this elegant wine has the balance to develop beautifully.

Begun in 1959, Ridge was one of the first of today’s chateau-size California wineries, that is, those that limit production in order to attempt the highest quality. All our wines are aged in small oak cooperage with the majority receiving no cellar treatment other than racking. Located above 2300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we overlook San Francisco Bay.

See how this and other vintages of Monte Bello are drinking today.

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See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.