Ridge Vineyards : Monte Bello 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Ridge Vineyards' Monte Bello 2023

Tasting Notes

Colour
A deep ruby robe with subtle violet highlights.

Nose
A complex bouquet revealing aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, intertwined with notes of blond tobacco, toasted oak, sweet spices and noble herbal touches such as fennel and mint.

Palate
Both powerful and elegant, it offers a generous texture supported by fine, well-structured tannins. Bright, lively acidity carries flavours of blackcurrant and sweet spices through to a remarkably long finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

This great red wine pairs beautifully with flavourful red meats such as prime rib, filet mignon or lamb chops. It will also enhance game dishes, poultry in sauce, or well-aged hard cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

Monte Bello 2023 reveals its full potential when served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Built to stand the test of time, this exceptional vintage boasts remarkable ageing potential, capable of being cellared for more than 20 years, up to around 2050.

The Elegance of a Great Santa Cruz Mountains Wine

The Estate

Officially founded as a brand and estate in 1962, Ridge Vineyards is an unmissable reference in California. Although the history of its lands dates back to 1885, it is its artisanal, pre-industrial approach that has forged its reputation. Now led by John Olney, both general manager and winemaker, this independent estate spans a 423-acre vineyard that is entirely certified organic. Renowned for its environmental commitment and its dedication to showcasing unique terroirs, it produces wines of exceptional depth.

The Vineyard

Located high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, the historic Monte Bello terroir rises to an altitude ranging from 395 to 840 metres. This mountain vineyard, farmed entirely organically, is distinguished by its steep slopes and complex soils composed of shale, granite and limestone. Benefiting from a cooling oceanic influence, these plots offer ideal conditions for a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes.

The Vintage

This vintage was marked by relatively cool climatic conditions. This coolness encouraged a longer growing cycle and slower ripening, allowing the berries to reach optimal balance before harvest.

Winemaking and Ageing

The making of Monte Bello 2023 follows a minimal-intervention philosophy. After careful destemming, fermentation takes place with whole berries, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine then undergoes an extended ageing period of 21 months in new oak barrels, made up of 95% American oak and 5% French oak, in order to preserve the pure expression of the fruit and the terroir.

Grape Varieties

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot