{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-monte-bello-2016","title":"Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2016 MAGNUM","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBilly Norris, Vinous, September 2024 - \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e100P\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2016 Monte Bello is a masterful expression of this lauded site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s powerful, broad and infinitely layered, but it also possesses an incredibly finessed tannin structure that speaks clearly and forcefully but yields dutifully. Saturated blueberry, gravel, eucalyptus, charcoal, cedar and India ink build gradually and steadily through the long and sizzling finish. Just beginning to soften and develop beyond the primary stage, it wouldn’t be a crime to open a bottle now, but this has many, many lives left to live and should be even better (if you can fathom) in a few more years. This is what Monte Bello is all about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver the stalwart of distinctive, site-driven blends from across California, Ridge turned out a fine set of 2022s from the North Coast and 2021s from the Monte Bello Estate under the watchful eye of Head Winemaker John Olney. The 2021 Monte Bello is right up there with the greats, benefitting from a drought-riddled growing season and developing superior concentration and mid-palate density. I also tasted a small but enlightening retrospective of recent Monte Bello vintages for this report. The 2015 is developing at a snail’s pace and needs several more years to unwind. The 2016 is perfection—a California Grand Cru for the ages. The 2017 has entered its next stage of development and is a great choice for drinking now. Disappointingly, the 2020 is marred by clear indicators of smoke taint. As for the 2022s from Sonoma and beyond, they are generally forward and rich, especially the Lytton Springs and Geyserville. The warmth of the growing season comes through in the depth of fruit and immediacy of many of these wines, but they mostly lack the expressiveness of kinder years. The 2022 Pagani Ranch Norma’s Block is particularly compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMathew Luzcy, Robert Parker, April 2024, \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e96+P\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2016 Monte Bello is savory and delectable, showing early hints of evolution past its youthful primary phase. Fragrant but reserved at first, aromas of black tea, black truffle, turned earth and dried plums appear. Medium-bodied, succulent and sponge-like on the palate, the finish shows off vibrant, scrumptious acidity with slowly integrating but grippy tannins. Easing into a window of early consumption, this has another two decades of power in it, with further evolution beyond that likely. It contains 12% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc.\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","brand":"Ridge Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50398843306250,"sku":"HSS730","price":6500.0,"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-2016","provider":"Carl Wandel \u0026 Søn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}