2011 - Ridge California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains

My third encounter with the 2011 Ridge Monte Bello in the last year revealed a wine that seems to be aging in reverse. Though the previous two bottles were beginning to mature aromatically, this one seems frozen in time. Today, it is almost shockingly primary and very sinewy. Black cherry, brambly berry fruit, menthol and mocha unfurl in a dark, brooding package that feels decidedly richer than one might expect from this cool growing season in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Though expressive and totally enjoyable today, this showing indicates that the 2011 may very well have more left in the tank than I initially thought.