1972 Monte Bello

In 1972 the grapes reached good balance and were harvested on the Ridge the day before the premature winter rains. The picking just at maturity, rather than our usual course of allowing the grapes to slightly over-ripen, provided a Bordeaux-like elegance. This lovely, full wine, softened by the malolactic fermentation, shows strong varietal character. Although ready for tasting this spring, it should be laid down for five to ten years.

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.

Average Rating: 93.6

No. of Tasting Notes: 9

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