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2012 Ridge Monte Bello

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Estimate

RATINGS

98Vinous / IWC

Seamless and voluptuous through to the finish...Raspberry jam, pomegranate, white flowers, mint and spices are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass...silky tannins, no hard edges and exceptional overall balance,

94The Wine Advocate

...classic black cherry, crushed violets, cassis, espresso roast & crème brulee notes all flowing seamlessly to a full-bodied, concentrated, structured & layered Bordeaux blend that has bright acidity, a stacked mid-palate and firm tannin.

94Wine Spectator

A beautifully structured wine, with firm acidity and tannins that show grip and grit amid a core of dense, tense currant and blackberry fruit, turning juicy. Those seeking classic old-school Cabernet will embrace this.

18.5Jancis Robinson

They say this has more tannin than first growths. Already a pleasure! Must be made with extraordinary skill. Heady, balsam notes. Really sophisticated with no sweetness nor alcohol. Great cleanliness on the end.

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.

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