At over 30 years of age, this Merlot would be fully mature with primary fruit largely transformed into secondary and tertiary notes — expect dried plum, leather, tobacco, forest floor, and savory herb with softened tannins. Bottle condition is critical for a wine of this age.
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Region
- USA / California / Santa Cruz Mountains
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Style
- dry red, age-worthy, structured, traditional
The producer
Ridge Vineyards' Monte Bello estate sits high in the Santa Cruz Mountains on limestone-rich soils. Ridge has occasionally bottled single-varietal wines from the Monte Bello vineyard's blocks, including Merlot in select vintages.
What critics say
Not known specifically for the 1992 Merlot bottling
Pairing
Roast leg of lamb, hard aged cheeses, mushroom dishes