Order Now. ETA 10/30/24
Drink 2025-2050
100 Points JamesSuckling
Tightly wound at this stage, the wine is massively concentrated, taut, yet trim and medium-bodied. Aged in 100% new oak, predominantly American, it offers espresso, blackberry, black cherry and vanilla bean flavors with a linear intensity and drive. Known to age and improve for several decades, this is one of California’s most collectible cabs and from a classic, age-worthy vintage. Best from 2031.
100 Points Wine Speed
No Cabernet is more iconic than Ridge Monte Bello. It’s won every award imaginable, and it came in first in the official 30-Year Re-enactment of the famous Paris Tasting of 1976. When I tasted this 2021 vintage, it was just after the final games of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. All I could think of was how much this wine reminded me of the gymnast Simone Biles—Monte Bello is a powerhouse of strength and energy, and yet also lifted, seemingly propelled into the air. The 2021 Monte Bello is cooling and vibrant and rich of course, but it also has a compelling choreography. Fast then slow then fast again. It’s a head trip. Buy a bottle or two now while you can. You’ll be happy you did.
99 Points OwenBargreen
A world-class wine from this vintage, the 2021 ‘Monte Bello’ combines 64% Cabernet Sauvignon with 31%Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. Beautiful dark rose petals combine with green bell pepper, cuban cigar, and wild blackberry. The palate is soft and seamless as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. A total head-turner, with tremendous mouthfeel, refined tannins and a light dusting of salinity, this beauty will cellar well for at least another twenty years to come. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year.
Drink 2025-2050.
97+ Points Wine Enthusiast
This ageworthy classic is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this vintage. The nose offers focused aromas of blackberry, toasted herb and light caramel with a hint of cocoa dust. The firm, leathery palate feels like it will last forever, as waves of berry, herb, pepper, clove and pencil shavings flow on. Drink now-2045.
Cellar Selection
96 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2021 marks the start of a new era at Ridge, now under the stewardship of Trester Goetting and longtime Ridge veteran John Olney following the departure of veteran winemaker Eric Baugher. The 2021 Monte Bello is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot due to drought-induced low yields, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon. It is already assertive and polished on the nose, with aromas of cassis, dried tobacco, green peppercorn, mint and figs springing from the glass. The palate is suave and refined with electrifying energy and persistence, leading to a sophisticated finish of ripe black fruits and drying, layered stately tannins. Even in this embryonic stage, the perpetual pedigree of Monte Bello is here in spades; cellar for a decade and enjoy over the following two and beyond.
96 Points JebDunnuck
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in mostly new American oak. It reminds me of the 2016 with its beautifully balanced, seamless style, and it has a riveting perfume of pure crème de cassis, sweet tobacco, lead pencil shavings, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and absolutely seamless, it’s a gorgeous Monte Bello that’s surprisingly already accessible, yet it won’t hit full maturity for 7-8 years but will have 30+ years of longevity.
