New Reviews from The Wine Advocate
The Wine Advocate
August 2025
We are pleased to share the news that Matthew Luczy of The Wine Advocate has published new reviews for several RIDGE wines as part of his newest article on Santa Cruz Mountains wines.
“The eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains is home to many famous pioneering names who went on to found icons such as Ridge and Mount Eden. Sitting entirely on the North American Plate, elevations here vary between 800 and 2,200 feet. This area’s temperature moderation comes from the San Fransisco Bay rather than the Pacific Ocean, and soils vary remarkably, including Franciscan shale, sandstone, clay and decomposed limestone. While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay do very well on this side of the region, the Bordeaux varieties here reach timeless and iconic heights.” -Matthew Luczy, The Wine Advocate
While the report focuses primarily on Santa Cruz Mountains wines, Luczy also rated two of our newest releases from the Paso Robles AVA.
2022 Monte Bello – 96 Points
Santa Cruz Mountains
“The 2022 Monte Bello is a rich and distinctly firm iteration of this classic cuvée, evoking a hypothetical blend between the textural power of the 2017 and the bracing structure of the 2015. The nose displays a classically deep and resonant bouquet of red and black fruits, vanilla pod, dark chocolate, cigar wrapper and dried herbs, with balsamic overtones and admirable oak integration. The palate combines lush generosity with an eminently sturdy core, concluding with a stern, bracing finish of firm tannins, pleasantly complemented by gentle succulence. It will take time to view the full potential here, but it certainly delivers the tried-and-true profile long-time fans will expect. This vintage is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.”
2023 Estate Chardonnay – 94 Points
Santa Cruz Mountains
“One of the finest expressions of this bottling in recent memory, the 2023 Chardonnay Estate Monte Bello Vineyard was matured mainly in neutral American and French oak with a 20% addition of new wood equally divided between the two origins. It exudes a classically broad, creamy bouquet with notable focus and floral overtones, pleasantly accented by a touch of reduction. The palate is rich and enveloping yet admirably lifted by invigorating acidity that carries through the textural, caramelized finish.”
2023 Paso Robles Zinfandel – 93 Points
Paso Robles
“Hailing from old vines at Dusi Ranch, the 2023 Zinfandel Paso Robles opens with a vibrant nose of candied red fruits and dried spices, followed by a beaming, succulent palate lined with invigorating acidity that runs through the elegant, refreshing finish.”
2022 Estate Cabernet – 92 Points
Santa Cruz Mountains
“Incorporating 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate balances a lovely combination of lush dark fruits and charred, roasted accents, followed by a plush, fluid texture with a succulent core. It concludes with a lifted, pretty finish filled with a compact core of ripe fruits.”
2023 Grenache Blanc – 91 Points
Paso Robles
“Blended with 14% Picpoul and 2% Roussanne, the 2023 Grenache Blanc leads with aromas of tangerine, kumquat, lime cordial and orange rinds that radiate from the glass, supported by an exotic tinge of marzipan. The palate is spry, pure and precise, concluding with a tangy, succulent finish that lingers with pleasant stoniness.”
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