Ridge Vineyards is a California winery best known for its Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon and its equally famous range of Zinfandel wines and blends. The winery’s history dates back to 1885 when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He planted vineyards on terraced slopes and constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first Monte Bello vintage in 1892.

In 1959, four scientists from Stanford University's Research Institute purchased land adjacent to the Perrone property, the middle vineyard, and created an estate Cabernet. They formed the Ridge Vineyards partnership in 1962 and re-bonded the winery to produce the first official commercial vintage of Monte Bello. The first Zinfandel was made in 1964 from eighty-year-old vines and was followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville Zinfandel from vines that are now one hundred and thirty years old. 1972 marked the first Lytton Springs, from vines planted in 1902.

The old Monte Bello winery and a small part of the Perrone vineyard property was purchased by Ridge in 1968. The old cellar, made of native limestone and built into the mountainside, is Ridge’s production facility today. At 2600 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by the upper vineyard.

Lytton Springs, in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, became part of the Ridge estate in 1991, completing the lineup of Ridge’s three estate vineyards which provides for 75% of the fruit they use. The winery produces wine at both the original Monte Bello location and Lytton Springs.

Paul Draper joined Ridge Vineyards as winemaker 1969. Draper became one of the world’s most celebrated winemakers, earning awards and accolades for his exceptional work. After nearly 46 years at the helm, Draper retired in 2016. Eric Baugher, COO and director of winemaking at Monte Bello, and John Olney, COO and winemaker at Ridge Lytton Springs, continue Ridge’s style and legacy of quality. Both men have worked with Paul Draper at Ridge for 20+ years.

Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. The Ridge pre-industrial approach is straightforward: find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process only when necessary; draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine.

The 2019 Ridge Monte Bello is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the best of California's Santa Cruz Mountains region. This red wine, made from a proprietary blend of varietals, is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the renowned Ridge winery.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, inky red color that immediately grabs your attention. The nose is a sensory delight, with a bouquet that is both wild and exotic. The aromas soar from the glass, revealing layers of exotically ripe fruit. It is a heady experience that captivates the senses.

On the palate, the 2019 Monte Bello is opulent and full-bodied, a departure from the more restrained style typical of the region. The wine is packed with inky red fruit, blood orange, and espresso flavors, all of which are complemented by sweet American oak, cedar, and pipe tobacco notes. The structure of the wine is classic Monte Bello, with firm tannins and a lasting impression that lingers on the palate.

This wine has received high praise from critics. Antonio Golioni of Vinous describes it as "magnificent" and notes that it will only improve with age. Jeb Dunnuck rates it highly as well, highlighting its terrific balance and outstanding length. Wine Spectator praises its drive and proportion, while Wine Enthusiast applauds its polished tannins and lingering flavors. James Suckling is impressed by its power and complexity, and Jane Anson notes its architecture and longevity potential. Decanter finds it youthful and assertive, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate describes it as delicate, complex, and elegant.

Overall, the 2019 Ridge Monte Bello is a wine of extraordinary character and quality. It is a true masterpiece that showcases the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further development, this wine is sure to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.