1984 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello Vineyard Estate
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Tasting notes
The 1984 Monte Bello has a surprisingly backward nose with predominantly black fruit laced with peppermint and light ash-like scents. Well-defined, but it either needs a couple more hours in the decanter or a few more years. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit laced with licorice. It's racy in terms of acidity with good density. Secondary notes gather towards the finish with mocha and light leather notes with impressive length. An excellent wine, but it is certainly taking its time. Tasted blind at Olivier Bernard's "4" dinner at Domaine de Chevalier.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The decade of the 1980s was somewhat complicated for Ridge, but the 1984 Monte Bello is a real high point, opening in the glass with a classic bouquet of cigar box, red and black fruits and sweet soil. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and bright but powerful, with an ample core of rich fruit, melting tannins and a long, tangy finish. While it's drinking well today, and I don't see much to be gained from further aging, I'd expect this to cruise along in a cool cellar for the next decade. While it was somewhat overshadowed by the 1974 on this occasion, it's a fabulous Monte Bello and the best vintage of the decade.
The 1984 Monte Bello is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so, as it is close to being fully mature. Iron, smoke, tobacco, game, scorched earth and licorice, along with coarse tannins give the 1984 its somewhat burly, rustic personality. I expect the 1984 will remain at its current plateau of maturity for at least a few years, but it will always be wild, muscular and not especially polished relative to the very best years.
The 1984 Monte Bello is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so, as it is close to being fully mature. Iron, smoke, tobacco, game, scorched earth and licorice, along with coarse tannins give the 1984 its somewhat burly, rustic personality. I expect the 1984 will remain at its current plateau of maturity for at least a few years, but it will always be wild, muscular and not especially polished relative to the very best years.
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.