1986 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello Vineyard Estate
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Tasting notes
Given all the great Cabernets that have emerged from this legendary producer, the 1986 Monte Bello remains one of the winery's most monolithic as well as perplexing wines. The color is a healthy deep ruby with little signs of age, but it does not possess the saturated purple color of the great vintages. The innocuous bouquet offers up loamy, earthy, mineral, and red and blackcurrant aromas. The wine is compact and clipped, with crisp acidity and a narrowly constructed, moderately tannic finish. It does not taste old, nor does it taste particularly promising. It is straightforward and pleasant, but uninspiring. The tasting notes for this section are from two single blind tastings, one conducted in May, 1996, in California, and the other in June, 1996, in Baltimore.
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Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
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Ridge is known for its commitment to crafting high-quality, terroir-driven wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their vineyards. The winery is particularly famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, which have received critical acclaim from wine experts and enthusiasts alike. Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 1986 is a superb Bordeaux-style blend, displaying a mature nose of black currant, truffle and forest floor. The palate delights with evolved dark fruit, leather and tobacco nuances, while supple tannins and balanced acidity enhance its structure. This aged gem is showing remarkable depth and finesse right now.
Medium red, with brick at the rim. Evolved aromas of plum, animal fur, mocha, cedar, game and roast coffee. Supple in texture but a wine with only modest depth, nuance and flavor development. Finishes with slightly dry but light tannins and notes of leather and autumn leaves. Short by the standards of Monte Bello.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.