"94-97pts Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
This blend of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello comprises about 85% of what will be the final wine. At this early stage, the 2017 is distinctly medium in body, with a compelling interplay between the tannin profile and structural feel of a cold year and the ripe fruit of a warm vintage. That natural contrast is both highly unusual and alluring. Analytically, the 2017 has a level of tannin that is inline with vintages such as 2013 and 1996, but the expression of fruit is much more exotic. The 2017 is embryonic and not fully formed, it also clearly has the potential to develop into a truly special wine."
Ridge was founded in 1959 but has a history dating back to the late 19th century when an Italian immigrant bought the 180 acres near Monte Bello Ridge. Cabernet has been vinified there since the 1940’s and Zinfandel saw its first vintage in 1964. CEO Paul Draper, took the reins in 1969 and pioneered a ‘hands off’, non intrusive approach to wine making. Sustainable farming is practiced at Ridge and their winery has won numerous environmental awards over the years. The vineyards are all dry-grown with only new vines receiving drip irrigation until they are established.
The red wines are fermented in small-capacity fermenters to assure full extraction and intensity. The juice is drawn off, gently aerated, and pumped over a floating cap of grape skins. Once pressed, all wines go through a natural malolactic fermentation. Monte Bello, the flagship wine of the estate, is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and spends roughly 17 months in new American oak.
