The best wine of the month was an easy choice. One of my favourite producers is Ridge Vineyards in California. The other day I had the opportunity to taste a few of their wines. The standard bearer is Monte Bello, grandiose but not forceful.
It is elegant, beautiful, and American wine that in many ways is more European than many Europeans. The winemaker, Paul Draper, has a degree in philosophy from Stanford and this is a humanistic wine that can only improve with age.
As someone said:
“I don’t know anyone who says they have too many Monte Bello in the cellar.”
2005 and 2006 are already outstanding but will improve over the next few years. 2009 is far too young but will excel from around 2019. Buy it and wait. Or by the little brother if you want to drink now, Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010. www.ridgewine.com
Read more on Ridge Vineyards in Magnus’ winery profile and tasting notes.
