Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 [1.5 L Magnum]
(Santa Cruz Mountains, California) - [WE 95] [JD 94+] [JS 94] [VM 92] [WS 92]

Winemaker Notes:

In 1886 the first blocks of the Monte Bello vineyard were planted and construction on the winery begun. The first vintage was the 1892. In the early 1940s, the last of the old vineyard was abandoned; in the late forties a few blocks were replanted. Those cabernet vines—now over sixty-five years old—produced the first Ridge Monte Bello (1962) and subsequent vintages until 1974. By then other abandoned blocks had been replanted and their fruit considered for use in the Monte Bello. A number of those consistently produced a more accessible wine that developed its full complexity earlier and these were combined as the “Santa Cruz Mountains.” With the 2008 vintage the name of this stylistically distinct wine became the Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, stressing the principal varietal and the Monte Bello Estate vineyard as its source.

88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

13.8% ABV

Vintage:   

A cool, foggy spring delayed budbreak, but warm weather during bloom created ideal conditions for the vines to set a full crop. To maximize extraction, pumpovers were extended during fermentation. At assemblage, eighteen parcels were chosen for their alluring fruit and elegant tannins. After sixteen months of aging, the oak has integrated and the wine has begun to soften. It will continue to evolve and be most enjoyable over the next ten to fifteen years.

Ratings & Reviews:

95+ Points "Cellar Selection" - Wine Enthusiast:
There’s a prominent mineral streak of graphite, wet clay and lava rock on the nose of this bottling, which also includes 11% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Further investigation reveals aromas of blackberry, dried oregano, pepper and dried meat, and the palate falls in line, as leathery tannins frame baked berry, cocoa dust and roasted meat flavors. Drink now-2039.

94+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from the estate Monte Bello Vineyard on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Hitting 13.8% alcohol, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a brilliant perfume of blue fruits, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil. Beautifully balanced and medium to full-bodied, with building tannins, it's a seamless Cabernet Sauvignon that has some up-front appeal given its balance and elegance yet will benefit from 2-5 years of bottle age and, I suspect, have 20+ years of overall longevity. 2024-2047. (8/29/22)

94 Points - James Suckling:
Such a real and focused cabernet with redcurrants, Spanish cedar, and mint. Medium to full body. Firm and fine tannins. Some redwood and spice, too. Chewy and juicy. Give it a year or two to soften.

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
Distinctive, with a burst of singed vanilla and savory leading off, followed by dark plum and blackberry puree notes that stream through. Shows singed mesquite and a sanguine note as this unfolds. Sleek, tight-grained finish. Best from 2023 through 2033. 6,800 cases made. -JM (11/15/22)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a hugely appealing mix of fruit richness married to the savory, structured style that is the Ridge signature. The 2019 is beautifully exotic, but natural without the volume of the Monte Bello. I imagine it will drink splendidly with minimal cellaring. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and pomegranate.