2009 Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello, Proprietary Red, Santa Cruz Mountains.
It is easy to see why the 2009 Monte Bello is getting huge scores and that it is almost a sell out already, it is a truly majestic and pure wine that offers abundant pleasure even now. The new Monte Bello shines with clear definition and detail, this wine is beautiful and alive with flavors, t is not flabby, heavy or overly ripe, in fact the best of the qualities found it this years Monte Bello is it’s lift and lightness on the palate, even though it will certainly fill out over the next few years in bottle. The medium weight and balance really drives this wine to glorious heights with subtle elegant charms from nose to finish, starting with a soft floral and red berry bouquet leading to a round and giving palate of blackberry, dried currants, dusty plum and cherry fruits with creme de cassis, smoky mineral essence like pencil lead and licorice. There are flashes of earth, tobacco leaf and sage like spice along with the impression of refined tannins and structure with a whiff of vanilla on the finish. My thanks to the staff at Ridge’s Lytton Estate for allowing me to sample this fantastic red in an idyllic setting on a perfect late fall afternoon making for a magical experience.
($145-165 Est.) 94-96 Points, grapelive
