Ridge Estate Monte Bello 2017

Producing "Single Vineyard Wines' has been the philosophy of Ridge Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains since the estate's beginnings in 1962. Even before the legendary single-vineyard Zinfandels, it is the flagship Ridge "Montebello' that honours this concept above all other wines. In 2017, the complex cuvée consists of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. In the glass, it offers deep purple, blackberry fruit paired with woody spice, floral hints (violets) and the most elegant acidity structure. A Cabernet blend in a class of its own - powerful, complex and with an eternally long finish. The result: 100 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck. A "proof of concept' could not be more hedonistic and convincing.