2021 RIDGE MONTE BELLO SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS CUPERTINO CALIFORNIA

The 2021 Ridge Monte Bello from the Santa Cruz Mountains in Cupertino, California, is a distinguished Bordeaux-style red blend that exemplifies the winery's commitment to excellence.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep ruby color.

• Aroma: Ripe mountain blackberry and cassis, anise, lavender, violets, sweet toasted oak, and earthy mineral components.

• Palate: Bold fruit at entry coupled with fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. Layered and complex mid-palate with a long, intense finish.

Accolades:

• James Suckling: Awarded 100 points, describing it as "tightly wound at this stage" with "massively concentrated" flavors, yet "trim and medium-bodied."

• Wine Enthusiast: Rated 97 points and designated as a Cellar Selection, noting "focused aromas of blackberry, toasted herb and light caramel with a hint of cocoa dust." The palate is described as "firm" and "leathery," with "waves of berry, herb, pepper, clove and pencil shavings."

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Scored 96 points, highlighting the wine's assertive and polished nose with "aromas of cassis, dried tobacco, green peppercorn, mint and figs." The palate is "suave and refined with electrifying energy and persistence.