Cabernet Sauvignon - New Releases
2000 MONTE BELLO
California Grapevine 11-2003
Nicholas Ponomareff
2000 Ridge, "Monte Bello," Santa Cruz Mountains ($120)
Medium-dark purplish ruby; attractive, forward, intense, complex, spicy, cassis and ripe black cherry fruit aroma with hints of coffee and cola; full body; big, dense, highly extracted, herbal, cedary, slightly chalky, concentrated, ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors; well balanced and structured; full tannin; dry, somewhat harsh, cedary finish; lingering aftertaste. Will reward another three to five more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 13.4% alcohol; 4,000 cases, blended with 23% Merlot and 2% CF, released September 2003. (Group Score: 16.3, 0/1/1; My Score: 17 [90/100], fifth place)
