Ridge

Monte Bello

2019
Santa Cruz Mtns.
Central Coast
California
Say It
Ridge MON-tay BELL-o
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
$275
Quality
Red
Wish List Share
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
GRAPE VARIETAL(S)
Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Ca-ber-NAY So-vee-NYON
Cabernet Sauvignon origins are from the Gironde in southwest France, but is now planted across the world in climates that accommodate this late ripening grape. It is the dominant grape in wines made in Bordeaux’s Médoc and Graves regions. This small, thick-skinned grape, produces darkly colored wine, high in tannin and relatively high in acidity with hallmark aromas of blackcurrant and can stylistically change from austere in its youth to lush depending on the region, and winemaking style.
Country / State
California
Region
Central Coast
Sub Region
Santa Cruz Mtns.
Producer
Ridge
Vintage
2019
Ridge's grape clusterRidge's grape cluster

Ridge

Santa Cruz Mountains, California

The history of Ridge goes back to 1885 when Osea Perrone bought 180 acres on Montebello Ridge, including a limestone winery at 2600 feet in altitude that is still in use today. Eventually abandoned until the 1940s, William Short bought the Perrone property and the adjacent vineyard that would eventually become Ridge Estate. 

Paul Draper of RidgePaul Draper of Ridge
Ridge's Monte bello Vineyards Ridge's Monte bello Vineyards

The wines of Ridge are defined by unique terroir and the guiding hand of Paul Draper who joined the partnership in 1969 and led the winery until his retirement in 2016. Paul knew that the best way to showcase terroir was through organic and sustainable practices in both the vineyard and winery. The Montebello is one of the most storied cabernets in California. 

Ridge makes powerful yet nuanced and layered wines that are both structured and expressive of the historic terroir from which they grow.