Critical Acclaim
For more than six decades, Ridge Vineyards has been recognized by top critics and our peers for our consistent quality and steadfast approach to winemaking.
“Ridge Monte Bello is considered by many to be among the best wines in the world, and certainly among the most, if not the most famous, from California. Through its Monte Bello Cabernet-based bottling, Ridge helped show that California wine could compete with the most respected wines in the world. At the same time, no other winery in California has done so much to elevate Zinfandel from its early reputation as jug wine to fine wine respectability.”
— Elaine Chukan Brown, JancisRobinson.com
“If the United States had a formal classification of estates, Ridge would be the equivalent of a First Growth.”
-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“While other wineries’ fortunes have risen and fallen, Ridge Vineyards’ Monte Bello has maintained a record of consistent brilliance unrivaled in California ever since that inaugural vintage. Indeed, this cuvée has won wide recognition as an American first growth, its dependable longevity and classical balance earning it the esteem of domestic and international collectors alike.”
— William Kelley, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
“The remarkable consistency and beauty of these wines make Monte Bello America’s greatest cabernet sauvignon, in my judgement as The Times’ wine critic.”
— Eric Asimov, The New York Times
“…47 vintages later, Draper can reflect on an amazing career. Not only elevating Ridge to international acclaim, he took Zinfandel, an underappreciated blending grape, to an elite level as well, rescuing the variety from insignificance by demonstrating its full potential.”
— James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Put quite simply: The depth of Draper’s contribution to the current extraordinary state of American wine is simply beyond expression.”
-Jon Bonné, PUNCH
“Ridge remains one of the finest operations I visit anywhere in the world. The total commitment to quality, value and customer service simply has no equal in this country.”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“Paul Draper helped lead Californians to the concept of the single-vineyard wine, choosing the underdog Zinfandel grape as his first vehicle of expression. Draper’s wines at Ridge Vineyards are robust, yet refined and graceful.”
— Wine Spectator, 2000 Distinguished Service Award
“Monte Bello, and the rest of the Ridge wines, are proof that Draper’s relentless desire to improve has earned him a rightful place in the annals of American wine.”
— Jon Bonné, San Francisco Chronicle