1988 Monte Bello

Excessive heat just prior to harvest affected color and flavor in many fine vineyards. The cooler climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains, however, moderated temperatures and gave us an ideal vintage. We included the first press and most of the second. The wine is beautifully balanced and, with its full, round tannins, immediately accessible. It will continue to develop in complexity over the next fifteen years. In the selection, twenty percent of the vineyard was held out and bottled as Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet.

Founded in 1959 when there were less than 70 active California wineries, Ridge was one of the first of today’s small, fine producers. Close adherence to traditional winemaking techniques has set Ridge apart. It determines our style and includes natural yeast, submerged cap fermentations, racking to achieve clarity, and filtering only when necessary for stability. Our winery and estate vineyards are located above 2,300 feet on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains and overlook San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Vinous Media: 90 Points “The 1988 Monte Bello is a pretty wine that has aged well, but that is also now fully mature. Smoke, leather, licorice, game and herbs are laced with savory inflections from the mostly cold year and a good deal of Cabernet Sauvignon character. I wouldn’t push my luck too much with aging, as there is little upside to be gained through further cellaring.” – Antonio Galloni (October 2019)

Average Rating: 92.0

No. of Tasting Notes: 73

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