Monte Bello Among Food & Wine’s Splurge-Worthy California Reds

Food & Wine Magazine

November 6, 2019

Food & Wine Magazine’s recent article on the most splurge-worthy red wines in California features 2016 Monte Bello in their top 25:

“These wines represent what I consider to be some of the best high-end bottles in the state—and, for many of them, the world.”

– Brian Freedman, Food & Wine Magazine

2016 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains

This reminds me of a young Pauillac, with pencil shavings, currants, and just the slightest hint of dried herbs. It all precedes a palate both propulsive and wildly complex, the lively flavors of currants, cherries, and brambly berries seasoned with sage and a hint of thyme. The finish lingers with a subtle suggestion of flowers and a punch of spice and cigar humidor. Phenomenal.