Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains (2019)
The 2019 Vintage
Ridge Vineyards is a titan of American winemaking, and their iconic Monte Bello is widely celebrated as the "First Growth" of California. Sourced from historic, high-elevation parcels in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this world-class Bordeaux blend is a profound monument to cool-climate, limestone-driven viticulture.
The cellar philosophy here champions a steadfast, "pre-industrial" approach designed to capture the unadulterated essence of the mountain. Following a meticulous sorting process, the Cabernet-dominant fruit undergoes a 100% whole-berry fermentation using native yeasts. It is then aged for seventeen months in predominantly new, air-dried American oak barrels, a signature Ridge technique that builds an incredibly sophisticated, muscular framework without masking the site's intense natural acidity and distinct mineral core.
Pouring a glass reveals an immensely concentrated, commanding profile of dark plum, wild blackberry, and crushed graphite, all interwoven with savory layers of sweet tobacco and cedar. It is a highly intellectual, majestically structured red that completely captivates the palate, offering a weightless intensity and an utterly profound drinking experience for those who revere classic, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Fulham Wine Co Take
Ridge Vineyards
