Ridge Monte Bello

The Monte Bello is the flagship of Ridge Vineyards – a red wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation that has been one of California's most remarkable cuvées for decades.

Ridge cultivates the Monte Bello sites at over 700 meters altitude above Silicon Valley. The combination of limestone-rich soil, cool nights, and Mediterranean climate creates a density and freshness that one rarely knows from Napa Cabernets. The cuvée is based on Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec – in varying proportions depending on the vintage.

On the nose, the wine opens with cassis, blackberry, and a hint of cola, plus clove-nutmeg spice and toasted oak. On the palate, ripe dark fruits, enlivened by a lively acidity that gives the wine contour. The tannins are polished and velvety, the body full without heaviness. The long finish shows limestone minerality and forest floor – a sign of the extraordinary site.

Drinking temperature: 17–18 °C. Ideally decant. Pairs with braised lamb shoulder, beef fillet with herb crust, or aged cheddar.