Viniou Reviews
Ridge Vineyards’ Monte Bello 2015 is a flagship red wine from the storied Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in California. This classic cuvée is primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Franc. The 2015 vintage enjoyed a concentrated yet balanced growing season, with lower yields resulting in impressive depth and intensity. The vinification process at Ridge Vineyard is defined by minimal intervention, fermentation using native yeasts, and a keen focus on expressing the vineyard’s unique terroir. The resulting wine is famed for its precision, layered complexity and outstanding ageing potential, with dark fruit, graphite, cedar and subtle herbal notes.
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is one of California's most unique and dramatic wine regions. Vines grow on rugged slopes with thin, rocky soils, heavily influenced by both Pacific Ocean breezes and elevation. The marked diurnal temperature shift – hot days and cool nights – slows grape ripening, preserving acidity and structure while allowing for complex flavour development. Historically, the region is renowned for producing some of the earliest recognised fine wines of California, and Ridge’s Monte Bello vineyard is an icon dating back to 1886. The combination of cool climate, ancient marine and limestone soils, and attentive, sustainable viticulture results in wines of remarkable finesse and longevity.
Monte Bello’s robust structure and beautiful restraint call for suitably refined food pairings. It will shine alongside prime cuts of beef such as a roasted ribeye, lamb rack with rosemary and garlic, or a classic beef Wellington. The wine’s fresh acidity and savoury complexity also make it an ideal companion to dishes with wild mushrooms or truffles, and mature cheeses such as aged Comté or English cheddar. For a local touch, consider pairing with California’s fresh, simply grilled quail or duck.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving to fully open up its bouquet and palate. Serve at a cool 16-18°C to accentuate its aromatic complexity and refined tannins. This Monte Bello has excellent ageing potential and will reward cellaring, but offers great appeal even now in the right conditions.
