Ridge Vineyards : Monte Bello 2023

Characteristics and tasting tips for Monte Bello 2023 from Ridge Vineyards

Tasting

Colour
A deep ruby colour with subtle violet highlights.

Nose
A complex bouquet revealing aromas of black fruit such as blackcurrant and blackberry, intertwined with notes of blond tobacco, toasted oak and sweet spices, along with elegant herbal touches of fennel and mint.

Palate
Both powerful and elegant, the palate offers a generous texture supported by fine, well-structured tannins. A lively acidity carries flavours of blackcurrant and sweet spices through to a remarkably long finish.

Food and wine pairing

This great red wine pairs beautifully with savoury red meats such as rib of beef, filet mignon or lamb chops. It will also enhance game dishes, poultry in sauce and aged hard cheeses.

Serving and ageing

Monte Bello 2023 reveals its full potential when served between 16 and 18°C. Built to last, this exceptional vintage has remarkable ageing potential and can be cellared for more than 20 years, until around 2050.

The elegance of a great wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains

The estate

Officially founded as a brand and estate in 1962, Ridge Vineyards is a leading name in California. Although the history of its land dates back to 1885, it is its artisanal, pre-industrial approach that has built its reputation. Now led by John Olney, who serves as both CEO and head winemaker, this independent estate farms 423 acres of vineyards, all certified organic. Renowned for its respect for the environment and its commitment to showcasing unique terroirs, it produces wines of exceptional depth.

The vineyard

Located high in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, the historic Monte Bello terroir sits at altitudes ranging from 395 to 840 metres. This mountain vineyard, farmed entirely organically, stands out for its steep slopes and complex soils of schist, granite and limestone. Benefiting from a cooling ocean influence, these plots offer ideal conditions for a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

This vintage was marked by relatively cool weather conditions. The coolness encouraged a longer growing season and slower ripening, allowing the berries to reach optimal balance before harvest.

Winemaking and ageing

Monte Bello 2023 is crafted according to a minimal-intervention philosophy. After careful destemming, fermentation takes place with whole berries, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for an extended 21 months in new oak barrels, 95% American and 5% French, in order to preserve the pure expression of the fruit and terroir.

Grape varieties

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot