Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – Four 100 Point Scores for Monte Bello

The Wine Advocate

May, 2018

The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley awards Monte Bello vintages past and present with outstanding scores in recent retrospective tasting:

Ridge Monte Bello 1964-2017

“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.

This is a wine that’s invariably structured around firm, chalky tannins and balanced by bright acids. It’s a rare vintage where these devigorating soils give yields exceeding two tons per acre, so Monte Bello is also invariably intense and concentrated. That means it starts out life quite tight-knit and taut, but it’s beautifully vibrant and delineated at maturity.  This cuvée is one of the most reliably outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the world. And today, ably guided by vineyard manager David Gates and winemaker Eric Baugher, I believe that Ridge is making better wines than ever before.”

Future Releases:

• 2017 Monte Bello: 98-100 Points (2020 Release)
• 2016 Monte Bello: 96-98+ Points (2019 Release)

Current Release:

• 2015 Monte Bello:  95+ Points

Sold out Library Wines:

• 2014 Monte Bello: 97 Points
• 2013 Monte Bello: 100 Points
• 2012 Monte Bello: 96 Points
• 2010 Monte Bello: 96 Points
• 2008 Monte Bello: 95 Points
• 2007 Monte Bello: 95 Points
• 2006 Monte Bello: 94+ Points
• 2005 Monte Bello: 97 Points
• 2004 Monte Bello: 92+ Points
• 2002 Monte Bello: 98 Points
• 2001 Monte Bello: 97 Points
• 2000 Monte Bello: 93 Points
• 1997 Monte Bello: 94 Points
• 1996 Monte Bello: 96+ Points
• 1995 Monte Bello: 95 Points
• 1992 Monte Bello: 100 Points
• 1991 Monte Bello: 96 Points
• 1990 Monte Bello: 95 Points
• 1985 Monte Bello: 93 Points
• 1984 Monte Bello: 94 Points
• 1978 Monte Bello: 98 Points
• 1974 Monte Bello: 100 Points
• 1968 Monte Bello: 95 Points

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