Monthly Spotlight
Each month we spotlight one of our small-production, single-vineyard wines with a deep dive into the vineyard location, property history, wine style and pairing preferences. This month, our monthly spotlight is…
2019 Estate Merlot
10% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 15% off 12+. Members receive 15% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 20% off 12+.
TASTING NOTE
Dark, vibrant red color with aromas of bright red plum, tobacco leaf, cedar, and toasty oak. Red bramble fruit on the palate with supple, fine-grained tannins, lively acidity, and a long finish. JO (7/21)
WINEMAKER VIDEO
VINEYARD LOCATION
Monte Bello Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains
HISTORY
Ridge first made merlot in 1974 from the Point, the highest, most exposed block on the Monte Bello vineyard at an elevation of 2600′. Originally, we wanted to see if the varietal could match the quality of, and be included in, the Monte Bello. Once satisfied that it could, we planted more merlot over the years as space and resources allowed. From 1975 on, it has been a part of the Monte Bello whenever assemblage tastings so indicated. As the younger plantings matured, it became apparent that not only did merlot complement the Monte Bello, but also had the structure and complexity to merit a separate bottling.
PAIRINGS
Recipe: Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
Looking for a hearty Sunday dinner to pair with your favorite red wine? Our recipe for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is simple to assemble and most of the cooking time is hands-off while the pasta bubbles away in the oven. This dish is the perfect complement to the savory tobacco notes and elegant tannins of our Estate Merlot.
RECENT PRESS
OwenBargreen.com – 93 points
“Sourced from the Monte Bello Vineyard, this has 4% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Very dark in the glass, this delivers pencil lead, garrigue and chocolate fudge notes alongside black currant accents on this seductive nose that shows outstanding range. The wine shows brilliant flavor density and weight, yet offers great finesse and mouth-watering acidity. Finishing very long with black fruits and minerals, this fabulous effort will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037.” -Owen Bargreen (June 2022)
CONSUMER REVIEWS
Find out what consumers are saying about our newest vintage of Estate Merlot on cellartracker.com
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