The Monte Bello (originally Monte Bello Cabernet; until 1975, 100% cabernet) is the wine that introduced Ridge to the world, and the world to Ridge. It is a blend of bordeaux varietals. Cabernet sauvignon still predominates; exhaustive tasting of test blends during assemblage determines how much-if any-merlot, petit verdot, or cabernet franc will be included in the finished wine. Almost every vintage (an unbroken chain from '62 on) has something substantive to recommend it. Every decade has its h...

Leesy, sulfidey aromas of lemon, peach, charred oak, toasted nuts and vanilla; rather Meursault-like. Dense and fat but airy and subtle, with a hint of espresso and lively framing acidity. Quite youthful and in need of some cellaring. Finishes with noteworthy persistence. This is the first Ridge chardonnay designated as Monte Bello since the mid-1980s.

Santa Cruz Mountains. Unrepentant fans of heavy-handed toast and lees may well champion this close-to-pungent look at the grape, but its lack of clear fruit and slightly hard-edged texture leave us less than charmed.

Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating for United States-California: 88 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>