Ridge Monte Bello

About this wine

Ridge Monte Bello is widely considered one of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines produced in the United States. Sourced from the high-altitude Monte Bello vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the wine is renowned for its exceptional longevity, structural elegance, and complex aromatic profile. It consistently demonstrates a unique sense of place, characterized by cool-climate acidity, fine-grained tannins, and deep layers of dark fruit, cedar, and graphite. Since the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris, it has maintained its status as a benchmark for New World Bordeaux-style blends.

Sommelier's Note

"This is an absolute masterpiece of American viticulture. You must experience its evolution in the glass at least once in your life; it is the definitive benchmark for age-worthy Cabernet."

Food Pairings

Pairs exceptionally well with grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb, aged cheeses, and umami-rich dishes like soy-glazed mushrooms or grilled eel.

When to drink it

Ideal for milestone celebrations, formal dinners, or as a centerpiece for a serious wine tasting event.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Style

Red

Price Range

¥35,000-50,000

Terroir & Winemaking

The wine is traditionally fermented with native yeasts and aged in American oak barrels, with a significant portion being new. It undergoes natural malolactic fermentation and is bottled without fining or heavy filtration to preserve its structural integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it taste like?

It features intense notes of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and dried herbs with firm, elegant tannins.

When is the best time to drink it?

It requires at least 10 years of aging from the vintage date to reach its peak, though it can easily age for 30 years or more.

Is it better than Bordeaux?

It stands on equal footing with the First Growths of Bordeaux, offering a unique California expression of terroir.