This is it. The 2021 Ridge Monte Bello—the wine that defines California’s wine revolution. A wine so bold, so rich in history, it has become the benchmark of greatness in the wine world. Ridge Monte Bello is not just a bottle; it’s a statement. A wine that critics, collectors, and connoisseurs have revered for decades, it’s the epitome of what happens when terroir, tradition, and time come together in perfect harmony.

Ridge Vineyards is a name that needs no introduction. Founded in 1885 by Dr. Osea Perrone on the breathtaking Monte Bello Ridge, this estate has been crafting world-class wines for over a century. From its humble beginnings, Ridge has grown into one of California’s most respected wineries, with a legacy that speaks volumes. The purchase of Ridge by a group of Stanford scientists in 1959 marked the start of the modern era for the winery, and with it came the creation of Ridge’s flagship wine—Monte Bello. Since then, Monte Bello has been the cornerstone of Ridge’s success, continuously setting the standard for California Cabernet Sauvignon.

But this is no ordinary Cabernet. Th Ridge Monte Bello is a wine that’s built for greatness. Grown high in the Santa Cruz Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,700 feet, it benefits from a unique combination of cool ocean breezes, foggy nights, and limestone-rich soils. This rare terroir makes Ridge Monte Bello one of the most distinctive and age-worthy wines in California, delivering a wine that is impeccably balanced, intensely flavorful, and perfectly structured for long-term aging.

This is the wine that top sommeliers pour at Michelin-starred restaurants, the one that collectors fight to add to their cellars, and the one that critics cannot stop raving about. The 2021 vintage has already earned high praise for its depth, complexity, and age-worthy potential. With every sip, you’ll experience layers of dark fruit, crushed herbs, graphite, and that unmistakable minerality that Monte Bello is known for.

Ridge Monte Bello doesn’t just age gracefully; it evolves into something extraordinary with every passing year. This wine is a testament to Ridge’s commitment to excellence, from their dedication to organic farming practices to their use of minimal intervention winemaking. The wine is aged in a combination of 95% American oak and 5% French oak, adding depth and complexity without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

If you’re a wine lover who appreciates the very best, this is your wine. This is the one you’ll reach for when you want to experience the heights of California winemaking. It’s the wine that has stood the test of time—and it’s only getting better.

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.

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. ~100 James Suckling

~99 Owen Baragreen

The 2021 Monte Bello is a top-tier wine from this reverential site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The blend contains quite a bit more Merlot than usual (31%), which is a reflection of reduced Cabernet yields stemming from the drought-riddled 2021 growing season. Broad, infinitely layered and rooted in deep spice tones, the 2021 opens with a forceful kick of wild blackberry and orange peel, delving deeper into complex layers of black olive, new leather, violet and sweet pipe tobacco. Surprisingly giving and undeniably fresh, the 2021 is precise, laser-focused and propulsive, stationing the midline of the palate with an army of well-honed tannins and culminating in a finish that seemingly never ends. This is everything Monte Bello should be.  ~97 Vinous Media

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. ~97 Wine Enthusiast

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 Mont Bello that's surprisingly already accessible, yet it won't hit full maturity for 7-8 years but will have 30+ years of longevity. ~96 Jeb Dunnuck

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 Wine Advocate

A strapping, muscular Cabernet, with mouthwatering notes of licorice snap, rye and apple wood framing the burly core of red and black currant paste flavors. A long, grippy cast iron accent drives the finish along, with echoes of sweet bay leaf and tobacco. This is distinctive and built to last. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2028 through 2040. ~95 Wine Spectator

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