Ridge Vineyards "Monte Bello" Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Santa Cruz Mountains, California) - [VM 100] [JD 97] [WA 96+] [WS 96] [DM 95] [JS 95]

History:In 1886, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the initial plantings of the Monte Bello estate vineyard were set out, and winery construction begun. A first vintage from the young vines followed in 1892. During Prohibition (1920-1933), the vineyard was not fully maintained; some vines survived into the late 30’s, but by the 1940s they were effectively abandoned. Eight acres of cabernet sauvignon were replanted in 1949. These were the source of the first Ridge Monte Bello (1962). Since then, the historic vineyards on the ridge have gradually been replanted. Vintage:Late winter rains brought some relief from another year of drought. Monte Bello’s fractured limestone held onto this moisture for the vines to draw on through a mild summer. Unusually cold nights slowed ripening and developed firm acidity, while gentle extraction during fermentation kept tannins in balance. Through careful blind-tasting twenty-three lots were assembled and spent eighteen months in barrel. This superb vint