A lot going on in the world right now, but there are also small personal victories that go on everyday. I think it’s important to celebrate any and all personal wins and today is one of those days. I think this is one of the best bottles in my little ‘cellar’ so decided to open it up with the wife tonight. What a freakin’ treat! This is what enjoying wine is all about. I’m no sommelier, but this 1996 Ridge Monte Bello is drinking absolutely exquisite right now. A beautiful plum color with an exceptional bouquet of cassis, some pencil lead and something like an all-spice. The tannins are so well integrated right now and a nice acidity that it’s great to drink without food. Going to be hard to wait for those Ribeyes. There’s a beautiful berry taste with a hint of spiciness. The finish goes on and on and on. Life is short. Enjoy our wins. Drink more Monte Bello. Amen!
by Agreeable-Celery-357
8 Comments
wonderful producer with consistently excellent wines at all price points
Had this bottle a few years ago and absolutely loved it.
Just had a 93 and 94 at a tasting last weekend. They were tied for my WOTN – beat out 3 first growths and a host of other legends that were 5x the price. They smoked the whole lineup. Monte Bello is one of the best Bordeaux-style wines in the world.
Congratulations on whatever you were celebrating. Drink in good health. Cheers!
I’ve got a magnum of 2016, can’t wait to open it up in a few years. Also got 6 bottles of the 2024 on the way once the ship… That’s going to be tough to let age for 10-20 years.
I love that little table. The tile patterns and colors are great.
Heard a great quote from Wilfred Wong of wine.com awhile back when he said, ‘why go all the way to Bordeaux when we have Ridge Monte Bello right here.’
Awesome winery and Monte Bello is so iconic congrats on a great bottle. And love that table too very cool.
I’m admittedly kind of a hater of a lot of hyped up California wines. But Ridge is legit