Expect black currant, cherry, cedar, dried herb, and a savory mountain-fruit note with full body, structured tannins, and bright acidity. The 2013 vintage in Santa Cruz Mountains was excellent — concentrated and age-worthy.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend (similar varietal makeup to the flagship Monte Bello)
- Region
- USA / California / Santa Cruz Mountains
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, structured, traditional, age-worthy
The producer
The Ridge Estate Cabernet (sometimes labeled "Estate" or "Estate Cabernet") is the second wine to the flagship Monte Bello, sourced from declassified barrels of estate fruit at the Monte Bello vineyard. Same vineyard, same approach, lower selection tier and earlier-drinking window.
What critics say
Ridge Estate consistently receives strong reviews as a more accessible expression of the Monte Bello site, typically scoring in the low-90s.
Pairing
Herb-crusted rack of lamb, grilled ribeye, mushroom-forward dishes