{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-monte-bello-2017","title":"Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2017","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col-12 col-lg-6 detail-col\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatthew Luczy, Robert Parker, April 2024, \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e100P\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2017 Monte Bello is a towering triumph of California Cabernet Sauvignon. The final blend includes 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The colossal nose reads like a dictionary definition of young Monte Bello, with inky black fruits, fragrant dried herbs, treated leather and a refreshing, breezy lift that continuously bounds from the glass. The palate continues the immense heft and gravitas of the nose, with ample mid-palate richness buttressed by forceful, penetrating and vigorous tannins. The oak integration throughout is remarkable, its edges gently buffed rather than vigorously polished. Overall, this is an incredibly impressive, complex and multifaceted wine that should have no problem aging for five decades\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":50150032605450,"sku":"HSS641","price":2750.0,"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-2017","provider":"Carl Wandel \u0026 Søn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}