2014 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains

In 1886, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Monte Bello estate vineyard was planted, and the winery constructed. A first vintage from the young vines followed in 1892. During Prohibition (1920-1933), the vineyard was not fully maintained; by the 1940s it was 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 original vineyards have gradually been replanted. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot brought up in the standard mostly new American oak barrels earthy notes on the nose with an array of dark plum and currant berry fruit, light smoke and dried meats, fresh plowed earth, sage, rosemary and bitter coco notes, minty even more complex on the next day. Wow this wine is massive on the palate but still has elegance and finesse with chunky black currant and plum like fruit, layers of dark earth and espresso notes and a firm hand of acidty holding things firmly in place, a massive wine that has a good amount of layers on the finish. Finish 50+ Most Excellent