1964 Monte Bello

Ridge wine is made with an emphasis on quality and naturalness that is rarely attempted. Our grapes are grown in select vineyards (usually identified on the label), where they are left to ripen to peak maturity, often at some loss of quantity. We let the wine settle and age in small barrels, with only rare cellar treatment other than racking. Varieties are not blended unless so indicated on the label. Near Black Mountain on Monte Bello Ridge, our main vineyard is 10 miles south of Palo Alto, 15 miles inland from the ocean, and over 2000 feet in elevation.

The Wine Advocate (May 2018): 90 Points. “While this bottle of the 1964 Monte Bello was probably better a few years ago, it’s still more than holding on to life and an outstanding wine by any metric. Opening in the glass with notes of dried eucalyptus, wild cherries, dried red fruit and mossy soil, the wine is medium-bodied, filling out on the mid-palate as it sits in the decanter and glass. Surprisingly layered and understatedly concentrated, it’s bright and racy, with sweet and vibrant fruit flavors framed by unmistakably chalky tannins. The finish is long and mouthwatering. Likely matured in old Bourbon barrels, it’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and attained only 11.5% alcohol. Now’s a great time to drink this wonderful piece of California’s vinous heritage.” – William Kelley

Average Rating: 90.3

No. of Tasting Notes: 5

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