Ridge Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2023 (750ml)
Price: $72.99
| Producer | Ridge Vineyards |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 207325 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Ridge Vineyards Description
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.
Tasting Note: Saturated purple hues with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, cola, dried herbs, cedar, juniper berry and sweet oak. Medium bodied with rich textures that coat the entire palate. Flavors of red and black fruits and exotic spice with layers of gravelly and mineral notes. Long and complex finish.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with a dark-fruited, slightly dusty and herbal bouquet framed by American oak notes that are already remarkably integrated. The mouthfeel is suave and tense, balancing tensile energy with ample textural breadth. The finish succinctly captures the vintage's characteristics, giving equal weight to vibrant energy, tenacious yet refined tannins and Ridge's classically structured style. This is an exceptional bottling, and while it is somewhat approachable now, a bit more time in the bottle to further integrate its élevage would be beneficial.
Vinous: 93 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains) is a blend of fruit from the Monte Bello estate and a few neighboring vineyards (Bates, Vidovich and Fellom) aged for 16 months in 100% American oak.
Taut and structured, the 2023 opens with dark fruit, cracked pepper, smoked meat, tobacco leaf and cedar, all enshrouded in firm, chalky tannins that lead to a long, savory finish. This is a very fine access point to the Ridge house style at a more approachable price. As a note, this cuvée has existed in various iterations in the past, and was the original designation for what eventually became Ridge's Estate Cabernet.
