Ridge, California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2009

The 2009 Monte Bello is poured blind from magnum. It is lavish and youthful on the nose; a veneer of luxuriant new oak is proportionate to the concentrated fruit behind it with irresistible vanillary black fruit, cassis and violets. The palate is pure and concentrated, satin-like in texture and glossy merely by dint of its youth. This is a decade at least from its drinking window, but the quality is evident, and the purity on the Margaux-like finish is exquisite. Gorgeous. Tasted at Burns & German's dinner to celebrate The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide book at Medlar.

• Drinking Window: 2030 - 2060
• Reviewer Name: Neal Martin
• Review Date: December 2023