{"product_id":"ridge-vineyards-monte-bello-2019","title":"Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2018","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col-12 col-lg-6 detail-col\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatthew Luczy, Robert Parker, April 2024, 99P:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 Monte Bello is as classic a release from this storied site as ever. It contains 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. A ravishing, multidimensional nose of wet clay, cocoa powder, peperoncini, cured meat and eucalyptus endlessly expands and congeals with further aeration. The palate precisely stitches together supple concentration and firm, coarse tannins that give sturdiness and intensity to its otherwise medium-bodied frame. The finish is amazingly long and delicious and begins to close down after a few hours, telling me this timeless wine should be left alone for the next 10-12 years. Superb through and through, this wine should excel past its 50th birthday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sc-ccdLe fIsIUx\"\u003eI had the great pleasure of assessing a seven-vintage vertical of Monte Bello and, as luck would have it, picking up where William Kelley left off with the 2015 vintage. I tracked this set of wines across three days and witnessed continuous development and further delineation between vintages, even in their infancy. Not to be forgotten, the Estate Cabernet, Merlot, Jimsomare Zinfandel and the duo of Chardonnays orbit the central star of Monte Bello with fascinating insights into the multidimensionality of this iconic site.\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":50399043649802,"sku":"HSS776","price":2325.0,"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-2019","provider":"Carl Wandel \u0026 Søn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}