{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-monte-bello-2010","title":"Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2010","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col-12 col-lg-6 detail-col\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Kelly, Robert Parker, May 2018, \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e96P\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2010 growing season was long and cool, reflecting the influence of an El Niño year, defined by a short but intense heat wave in late August. But whereas Ridge's Sonoma County vineyards experienced a high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit for two days, Monte Bello ridge only reached 105 degrees. The ensuing 2010 Monte Bello is very classic in profile, offering up aromas of crushed cassis, plums, cigar tobacco, rich loamy soil, black tea and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a deep and concentrated core of vibrantly crunchy fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, tangy finish that's still youthfully chewy. Though the two vintages are very close in quality, the 2010 is very different in profile from the somewhat larger scaled 2012: it's less expansive, but built around a brighter vertical line. I'd recommend cellaring it for an additional three or four years and don't expect it to truly hit its stride until after 2025. The blend is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, and it attained 13.2% natural alcohol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Ridge Vineyards:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRidge Vineyards stands as a testament to excellence in American winemaking, with a rich history dating back to 1885 when Dr. Osea Perrone purchased land on Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Though the first vintage was produced in 1892, it wasn't until 1962 that four Stanford Research Institute engineers refounded the winery, setting the stage for its modern success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe arrival of Paul Draper in 1969 marked a turning point for Ridge. With a background in philosophy and practical winemaking experience from Chile, Draper revolutionized the vineyard's management and modernized its production facilities. His influence was instrumental in elevating the status of California Zinfandel and creating iconic wines such as Geyserville, Lytton Springs, and the flagship Monte Bello.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRidge's reputation soared when its 1971 Monte Bello placed in the top 5 at the famous 1976 Paris tasting, a feat surpassed 30 years later when it ranked first in the Judgment of Paris rematch. This success is rooted in Ridge's expansive vineyards, including the 180-acre Monte Bello Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 115-acre Lytton Springs Winery in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, and the 60-acre Geyserville in Alexander Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery's philosophy centers on single-vineyard wines and minimal intervention, utilizing native yeasts, natural malolactic fermentation, and limited new oak. This approach, combined with a commitment to organic farming methods, has produced an impressive portfolio. Beyond the renowned Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, Ridge offers iconic Zinfandel blends and various single-vineyard Zinfandels, as well as Chardonnay from the Monte Bello estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, Ridge has continued to evolve. Following Paul Draper's retirement in 2016, Eric Baugher took the helm as winemaker, maintaining the high standards while expanding the range of wines. Today, Ridge's offerings consistently receive high ratings from critics and are distributed across all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRidge Vineyards' commitment to sustainability is evident in its certified organic farming practices and use of solar power at both winery locations. As it moves forward, Ridge remains a cornerstone of the American wine industry, renowned for its dedication to traditional winemaking techniques, terroir-driven wines, and unwavering commitment to quality across its entire range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50146953167114,"sku":"CEW236","price":3625.0,"currency_code":"DKK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0706\/9273\/3194\/files\/ridgemontebello.png?v=1729332939","url":"https:\/\/carlwandel.shop\/products\/ridge-vineyards-monte-bello-2010","provider":"Carl Wandel \u0026 Søn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}