Viniou Reviews
Ridge Vineyards' Monte Bello 2014 is an exceptional red wine from the prestigious Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in California. This blend, classically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, is often completed by Merlot, Petit Verdot and occasionally Cabernet Franc, yielding a wine of remarkable complexity and structure. The 2014 vintage benefited from a warm yet balanced growing season, resulting in ripe, concentrated fruit flavours while maintaining freshness and an elegant tannic framework. The terroir is key to the wine’s personality: rocky limestone soils at altitude, just above the fog line, contribute to both power and impressive acidity, allowing for a fine balance between richness and finesse. Ridged and meticulously managed vineyards, along with a restrained approach to oak ageing, further enhance the wine’s definition and longevity.
The Santa Cruz Mountains have a singular reputation within California’s winegrowing landscape. This appellation, nestled between the cool Pacific Ocean and the warmer interior valleys, boasts an ideal climate for Bordeaux varieties. Cool, foggy mornings and sunny afternoons enable a slow, even maturation of grapes, which is vital for retaining aromatic complexity and natural acidity. The stony, well-drained soils impart a distinctive mineral underpinning, while the history of the region—home to some of California’s earliest vineyards—confers a deep sense of prestige and continuity. Ridge Vineyards, especially with its Monte Bello bottling, has played a defining role in propelling the appellation to global renown.
For food pairing, the Monte Bello’s structure, depth and refinement make it a perfect partner to classic dishes such as roast beef, rack of lamb, or venison with a peppercorn sauce. The wine’s bright acidity and layered fruit can also elevate regional American fare like grilled ribeye or a mushroom risotto. For a local California twist, try it with wood-fired tri-tip or a herbed pork loin.
Decanting the 2014 for one to two hours before serving will allow its bouquet of dark fruit, graphite and subtle oak to fully blossom. Serve at 16-18°C to appreciate its elegant balance between ripe fruit, savoury notes and mineral-driven finish. This is a wine with significant ageing potential but already displays impressive harmony and grace.
