2020 Monte Bello

About the Winemaker

Ridge Vineyards was established in 1962 on the historic Monte Bello estate with roots dating back to 1885, focusing on small-production, site-specific wines from old vines. Winemaker Paul Draper has led the winery for over 50 years, championing natural fermentation, minimal intervention, and native yeast to express pure varietal and terroir character. Ridge is celebrated worldwide for its balanced, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandels, earning consistent critical acclaim and cult status.

About This Wine

Monte Bello is Ridge Vineyards' flagship wine from the high-elevation Monte Bello vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, known for producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon blends since the 1960s. It gained fame in the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. The 2020 vintage reflects a cool growing season with small yields, resulting in concentrated fruit and structure.

Tasting Notes

Opaque ruby color with ripe cassis, plum and red currant fruit, toasty oak, vanilla, fennel, juniper berry and bay laurel. Well-integrated velvety tannins, full mid-palate, firm acid, and a long, sumptuous finish. Complex aromas of blackberry, tobacco, roasted coffee bean and wintergreen.

Food Pairings

grilled steak, braised lamb, roasted game, aged blue cheese

Taste Profile

Notes

cassis, plum, toasty oak, velvety tannins

Drinking Window

Approaching peak