2018 - Ridge California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains

The 2018 Monte Bello is as classic a release from this storied site as ever. It contains 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. A ravishing, multidimensional nose of wet clay, cocoa powder, peperoncini, cured meat and eucalyptus endlessly expands and congeals with further aeration. The palate precisely stitches together supple concentration and firm, coarse tannins that give sturdiness and intensity to its otherwise medium-bodied frame. The finish is amazingly long and delicious and begins to close down after a few hours, telling me this timeless wine should be left alone for the next 10-12 years. Superb through and through, this wine should excel past its 50th birthday.

The 2018 Monte Bello is ridiculously young. There's plenty of energy and drive, but writing a note at this point is rather superfluous. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. Early tastings suggest the 2018 is a Monte Bello built on linear, savory intensity more than volume. I very much like the energy here.

Full bottle 1,319 g. 78.7 tons from just 57 acres. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Spring storms helped. Relatively cool, foggy summer led to harvest from 28 September to 18 October. 100% whole-berry fermentation pressed to barrel after eight days with reduced pumpovers to limit tannin extraction. 0.22 g/l calcium carbonate was added to seven of the 23 fermenters to reduce acidity. 100% new, air-dried barrels were mainly American but supplemented by 7% French and 3% specifically Ozark. 22 lots were assembled into the final blend. Really deep blackish garnet. Already thoroughly rewarding on the nose – truly a bouquet of complexity! Some menthol with strong, ripe cassis. Already smells tertiary and utterly beguiling. Both rich and savoury with much dried-leaf character. Luscious, savoury fruit and yet with a dry, neat finish. Opulent but not sweet. Gloriously satisfying already but clearly set for a long, long life that will deliver even more pleasure. Intense and glorious. (JR)