94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot
75cl * 14% ABV * Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA
Ridge's first vines were planted in 1885, but it took almost 100 years for the producer to wow the world: its wines swept the board at Steven Spurrier's 1976 Judgement of Paris competition. Ever since, Ridge has produced wines that have been rightfully regarded alongside the finest Bordeaux blends and Burgundy's top whites.
The Cabernet Sauvignon makes up a larger proportion of the 2020 vintage, as late spring rains disrupted fruit set and reduced the yield of merlot. The hand-harvested grapes were fermented as whole berries, followed by nineteen months of barrel aging in 55% new American oak to integrate the tannins.
Winemaker tasting notes: 'Inky purple hues with dark plum, black cherry, cedar, cola and sweet toasted oak on the nose. A full-bodied entry with black berry, cocoa powder, brown spices and peppermint on the palate. Layered textures and focused tannins lead to a long finish.'
Drink now to 2040. Would go excellently alongside braised beef stew, a roast rack of lamb, or sausage pasta.
“This comes from a site at the estate which is set on limestone and between 1400-2500 elevation. Stored in 55% new American oak before bottling, this reveals hickory notes alongside creme de cassis, anise and shades of black tea. This is seriously good now but give this another year in the bottle to fully come together.” 94 pts, Owen Bargreen 2023
“The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes all from the estate Monte Bello Vineyard on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, which is much warmer than the western side of the region. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot that was brought up in 55% new American oak, it has a bright and vibrant perfume of black plums, smoked herbs, darker chocolate, and vanilla-laced oak. It’s firm, focused, and linear on the palate, with medium to full body, nicely integrated acidity, and building tannins. It should benefit from a year or two in the cellar, and I would enjoy bottles over the following decade.” 90 pts, Jeb Dunnuck 2023