Ridge Vineyards Profile

Ridge Vineyards, based in California, is a legendary winery celebrated for its commitment to crafting age-worthy, terroir-driven wines. Founded in 1962, the winery is best known for its iconic Monte Bello, a Bordeaux-style blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains, and its exceptional single-vineyard Zinfandels. Ridge combines traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable and organic vineyard practices, focusing on minimal intervention to allow the purity of the fruit and site to shine. The winemaking philosophy, championed for decades by longtime winemaker Paul Draper, emphasizes native yeasts, natural fermentations, and careful oak integration. Ridge Monte Bello, in particular, is renowned for its elegance, complexity, and remarkable ageing potential, consistently ranking as one of the greatest wines produced in California.
 
2020 Ridge Monte Bello Tasting Note

The 2020 Ridge Monte Bello is a stunning expression of this legendary vineyard, offering both power and refinement. The nose opens with captivating aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum, layered with notes of cedar, pencil shavings, crushed herbs, and graphite. Subtle hints of baking spices, cocoa, and dried violets add to its aromatic complexity. On the palate, it is full-bodied and impeccably structured, with firm yet polished tannins and vibrant acidity providing balance and precision. The rich core of dark fruit is complemented by flavors of tobacco, cassis, and a touch of savory minerality. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. While already showing remarkable harmony, the 2020 Monte Bello has the structure and concentration to evolve beautifully over the next 20–30 years, promising even greater complexity with time.