3 | Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, 91 to 95

"Even sexier than the 2008, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as considerably sweeter and rounder than its older sibling. Layers of expressive fruit linger on the radiant, juicy finish. This is an especially open and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. The sweet tannins should allow it to drink beautifully upon release."

"Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by attractive aromas of incense, red and black currants, spice, and forest floor...It reveals lots of blue, black, and red fruits, medium body, good acidity, and a fine finish." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

This wine was named #94 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Taut and structured, with cedar-laced currant, dark berry and dried berry notes joining a mix of minerally fresh earth and tobacco flavors, offering a wide range of tight-knit fruit overall. Firmly tannic on the finish, yet the ripe purity pushes through. True to form Monte Bello in a classic style."

"Smoky cherry and cassis aromas are complicated by wilted rose, cured meat, licorice and sexy oak spices. Lush and creamy in texture, offering well-delineated red- and blackcurrant flavors, good dusty tannic grip, and a sweet, expansive finish. Impressively deep and chewy, but good mineral lift keeps everything in check."

"A candidate for one of the longest-lived Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in California is Ridge’s Monte Bello. The 2002 Monte Bello Proprietary Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, with more of the Cabernet component than the 2001 possesses. Aromas of white chocolate, charred oak, black currants, tar, cedar, and earth are followed by a full-bodied, tannic red that is not as fleshy or fat in the mid-palate as its older sibling."

This wine was named #94 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Taut and structured, with cedar-laced currant, dark berry and dried berry notes joining a mix of minerally fresh earth and tobacco flavors, offering a wide range of tight-knit fruit overall. Firmly tannic on the finish, yet the ripe purity pushes through. True to form Monte Bello in a classic style."