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2016 Ridge Estate Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

February 11, 2024 - $48

Estimate

RATINGS

92The Wine Advocate

...chocolate box, cedar and toasted coconut with warm black plum, redcurrant, chocolate-covered cherries, dried herbs and blackcurrant bud plus a strong mineral vein of graphite, pipe tobacco and iron. Medium to full-bodied, it’s rounded and silky in the mouth, still with a firm frame of chalky-textured tannins, great freshness and a long finish.

92Vinous / IWC

...gorgeous, classically-built wine that captures so much of what makes Ridge so unique. Savory herb, leather, tobacco, spice and menthol add intrigue to this mid-weight, understated yet beautifully persistent Merlot. Hints of sage, sweet tobacco, leather and mint give the Merlot a distinctive savory feel.

REGION

United States, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA includes high elevation territory in the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Mateo. The AVA follows the coast line from San Francisco to Monterey with elevations from 400 feet to 3,000 feet above sea level. There are 1,500 vineyard acres and the AVA was established in 1981. Despite the challenging terrain in these rugged mountains and hills, highly esteemed wineries have been located here since the early 20th century, when Paul Masson, a Frenchman by birth, started making sparkling wine in the area. By the 1970s vineyards were growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Numerous microclimates within the AVA offer viticulturists diverse growing conditions, and many varietals are grown successfully.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.

VINTAGE

2016 Ridge Estate Merlot

100% Merlot from Monte Bello Vineyard