Outstanding New Reviews for 2023 Vintage RIDGE Cabernets
Decanter
March 2026
New Cabernet reviews from Decanter are in, and the 2023 Monte Bello and 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from our Monte Bello Estate have both earned exceptional scores!
High atop the Santa Cruz Mountains at 1,300 to 2,700 feet above sea level, our Monte Bello Estate is an ideal site for growing Bordeaux grape varieties. The unique limestone sub-soils and maritime-influenced climate produce wines of distinctive character and remarkable age-worthiness.
Read on to hear what U.S. Editor, Clive Pursehouse, had to say about our newest Cabernet releases.
“Classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon”
2023 Monte Bello – 97 Points
“A super volcanic site at the top of the mountain, the Montebello is comprised of 80 sub fermentations, rich, structured, ageable and intense. These are wines built to last 20-50 years. Intense mountain garrigue, as California bay and eucalyptus, wild thyme and intense purple florals all swirl in harmony. Sappy purple fruits and wintergreen mint leaves soar from the wine’s aromatics. The texture is mouthcoating in spite of the serious tannins, it’s lively as red and black fruits combine, highlighted by a blood orange pith.” –Clive Pursehouse
2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 95 Points
“Classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a cool vintage in a very cool site, and at Monte Bello this harvest finished in the middle of November. It has all the timeless notes of California mountain herbals, bay leaf, eucalyptus and manzanita and purple sage. It’s intensely focused, and the tannins are prominent. But elegance is the watchword here. Woodland berries, and sumac with white pepper and a glimpse of lemon zest. Brilliant.” –Clive Pursehouse
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