At a glance

Producer

Ridge Vineyards

Region

Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Approximately $150-$250 per bottle

Tasting profile

Intense dark fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), cedar, graphite, earth tones, firm tannins

Evolution: Fruit will integrate with tertiary notes of forest floor, tobacco, and leather emerging over the next decade

At peak: Complex, layered with silky tannins and vibrant acidity maintaining freshness

Structure

Acidity

Balanced acidity providing freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, well-integrated over time

Alcohol

Approx. 14.5%-15%

Aging potential

Excellent; capable of 20+ years aging under proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2026 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Currently youthful with primary fruit and structural tannins still developing

The 2018 vintage at Ridge Monte Bello shows classic structure and concentration characteristic of Santa Cruz Mountains terroir, with ample tannins and acidity allowing development and complexity to emerge over two decades. The optimal drinking window captures when the wine’s fruit, tannins, and secondary nuances harmonize fully.

Food pairing

Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats, game, aged cheeses, hearty stews, and dishes with earthy mushrooms or truffle accents.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatics to open up before serving

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of cover crops, integrated pest management, water conservation efforts, and solar energy installation at winery; primarily dry-farmed vineyards reducing water use.

Ridge Vineyards has invested in sustainable farming practices reducing chemical input and water consumption. They utilize solar energy at their facility, promoting renewable energy use. While not certified organic or biodynamic, their approach aligns with sustainability principles. Shipping primarily from US to international markets does add carbon footprint, but local distribution within California is lower-impact.