2024 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon

Boysenberry, black plum, and cedar aromas are layered with notes of violet, sage, and clove, leading into a medium- to full-bodied palate of spiced black cherry and blackberry compote. Balanced and fresh, the wine shows focus, savory herbal notes, and well-defined tannins that provide structure. The finish is long and lingering, with persistent dark fruit. LL (7/26)

This bottling reflects our commitment to the distinctive character of the broader Santa Cruz Mountains. By sourcing grapes from several vineyards at higher elevations, we highlight the structure and balance that define mountain grown cabernet. Using the same traditional approach employed for our single-vineyard wines, we allow the expression of these vineyard sites to define the wine. Intended for earlier enjoyment—drink now or over the next five to eight years. LL (3/26)

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: 42-54 inches (above average)
Bloom: Late May
Weather: A cool start to the season. From early June on, the weather was warm to hot, leading to a condensed harvest.

Harvest Dates: 10 September – 9 October
Grapes: Average Brix 25.4˚
TA: 6.5 g/L
pH: 3.51
Fermentation: Grapes destemmed and sorted; 100% whole berries, fermented on the native yeasts.
Barrels: 70% American and 30% French oak (14% new, 41% one year old, 33% two years old, 2% three years old, 2% four years old, and 10% five years old).
Aging: Seventeen months in barrel

Hand-harvested grapes, destemmed and sorted; fermented on indigenous yeast; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; minimum effective sulfur (35 ppm at crush, 122 ppm during aging). In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

OwenBargreen.com: 94 Points “The outstanding 2024 Ridge ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Sourced from several high elevation locations, this opens with a bright bouquet of dark currants, tar and black licorice alongside exotic spices on the nose. The palate is heady and dense, as this is somewhat tightly wound right now — but has some terrific cellaring potential. Only 13.4% alcohol, you would not guess that based on the outstanding flavor density. Give this an hour of air if consuming now. Drink 2026-2041.” -Owen Bargreen (July 2026)