In addition to the Spring national release wines that I reviewed here, the 2019 Estate Merlot is on the market.
The 2019 Monte Bello will be released to Ridge Club members in August 2022 and then will be released after that for general sale.
2019 Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains Monte Bello Vineyard
This wine is quite seductive for current consumption and according to the winemaker’s notes, should develop over the next ten years. It is smooth and silky with truffly dark plum and other dark fruits. Some oak is there if you look for it, but it is very well integrated with the fruit and does not stick out. It is a wine that is characterized by its balance and harmony. Cork closure. 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.8% stated alcohol. 90/A-
2019 Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains Monte Bello Vineyard
Ridge’s flagship Monte Bello historically has borne comparison to two Bordeaux first growths, Haut-Brion and Latour; that most certainly is the case with the 2019 vintage. The hot bricks aromas characteristic of Haut-Brion are here, and they are supplemented by slight herbal notes. The mouth shows intense cassis fruit with a noble austerity of texture and structure brought about by plenty of tannin and acid — and thus evoking the comparison with Latour. This vintage has a significantly higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than usual at 82% (along with 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc), thus making the Latour comparison even stronger. Some will enjoy drinking the wine already for the ebullience of its fruit, but for maximum pleasure, I’d wait at least a decade. Cork closure. 13.7% stated alcohol. 95+/A