2023 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of black olive, tobacco leaf, and cocoa. On the palate, well-coated tannins, blackberry fruit, and balanced acidity, with notes of licorice and cedar in the long, lingering finish. JO (6/25)

From 1978 to 2007, Ridge produced a cabernet-based Santa Cruz Mountains bottling. In 2008, the name changed to Estate Cabernet to highlight the fact that all the grapes for that wine are grown by Ridge and come from the Monte Bello vineyard. In 2023, we purchased grapes from several high-quality growers in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We decided to revive this label to indicate that the grapes for this wine, rather than being farmed by Ridge, come from outside growers. JO (4/25)

In 1978, Ridge made its first Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet from vineyard blocks at Monte Bello that consistently produced a more accessible wine that developed its complexity earlier. In 2008, we changed the name of this wine to Estate Cabernet to highlight the fact that all the fruit comes from the Monte Bello vineyard and is farmed by Ridge. In 2023 we had the opportunity to purchase grapes from outside growers throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. We therefore chose to return to the Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet label to indicate that rather than coming from the Monte Bello vineyard, this wine comes from various vineyards within the appellation.

Rainfall: 84 inches (above average)
Bloom: Late June
Weather: Late and prolonged harvest due to consistently cool weather throughout the growing season.

Harvest Dates: 6 October – 10 November
Grapes: Average Brix 23.1˚
TA: 7.2 g/L
pH: 3.48
Fermentation: Grapes destemmed and sorted; 100% whole berries, fermented on the native yeasts.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (30% new, 10% one year old, 20% two years old, and 40% four and five years old).
Aging: Seventeen months in barrel

Hand-harvested grapes; destemmed and sorted; fermented on indigenous yeast; calcium carbonate; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; minimum effective sulfur (35 ppm at crush, 90 ppm during aging). In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

OwenBargreen.com: 93 Points “The 2023 ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 15% Merlot blended in. It is refined and elegant on the tongue, as the toasty oak caresses a gorgeous core of dark currants, black cherry compote and espresso bean notes alongside gravelly soils. Very fresh and vibrant, with terrific acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035.” -Owen Bargreen (June 2025)

Vinous Media: 93 Points “The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains) is a blend of fruit from the Monte Bello estate and a few neighboring vineyards (Bates, Vidovich and Fellom) aged for 16 months in 100% American oak. Taut and structured, the 2023 opens with dark fruit, cracked pepper, smoked meat, tobacco leaf and cedar, all enshrouded in firm, chalky tannins that lead to a long, savory finish. This is a very fine access point to the Ridge house style at a more approachable price. As a note, this cuvée has existed in various iterations in the past, and was the original designation for what eventually became Ridge’s Estate Cabernet.” -Billy Norris (September 2025)

Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points + Cellar Selection “This bottling, which includes 15% Merlot and 4% Petite Verdot, marks the return of an appellation blend to the Ridge lineup. Aromas of black plum, clove and ajwain draw in the nose, while the palate picks up licorice and more black plum alongside a firm structure.” -Matt Kettmann (December 2025 Issue)

Wine Advocate: 92 Points “Including contracted fruit from Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch and Vidovich, along with additions from Monte Bello, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first return of this cuvée since 2007. A lush nose of sweet black fruits, pine needles, sage and a gourmand touch of vanilla pod introduces a soft, velvety and pliable palate, ending with a pure, mouthwatering finish framed by a subtle touch of woody tannins. Overall, it’s a solid, accessible and over-performing example of Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, which includes 15% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.” -Matthew Luczy (August 2025)

Wine Spectator: 92 Points “This sports a lively singed mesquite and savory aspect out front, with juicy and youthfully compact notes of red currant, bitter cherry and plum coulis held in check for now. Shows nicely chiseled tannins through the finish. A modicum of patience is needed. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2038.” -James Molesworth (September 2025)

Label PDF

Bottle Shot jpg

Rear Bottle Shot jpg

Tech Sheet PDF

RIDGE Cabernet Sauvignon Program Overview