Ridge Monte Bello sensational
Having written about them a few times in the past , I've often considered Ridge to be America's finest winery. Never mind gorgeous views from the mountain-top, never mind the showing at the legendary Judgment of Paris (and a victory at the re-tasting 30 years after ). All that aside, look at what's in front of you in the glass! Never before had I enjoyed their wines as much as I did this time, when I was presented with a special occasion to (re-)taste some of Ridge's greatest wines. Simply sensational!!! Chris Watkins, the tasting room manager, set up the following venerable line-up for a handful of us: 1985 Ridge Monte Bello , 1989 Ridge Monte Bello (magnum), 1995 Ridge Monte Bello , 2005 Ridge Monte Bello , and 2003 Ridge Estate Cabernet (Monte Bello's little brother). The 1985 was amazing - fresh, earthy, savory, with black olives, hints of eucalyptus, pine and herbs (without appearing vegetal or green), loads of dark, blackcurrant fruits and echoes