2018 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is terrific. In this vintage, the Estate is especially savory and mineral, perhaps with a bit less immediacy than it can show. For that reason, I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years. Blueberry, blackberry, graphite, licorice, cloves, lavender and sage all build into the incisive finish. Impressive. (AG)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,360 g. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, bottled 19 August. ‘Drought-breaking winter storms replenished ground-water reserves at Monte Bello. Warm summer weather ripened grapes for an October harvest. Significant tannins showed in the earliest fermentations so we reduced pumpovers to avoid over-extraction. For this wine we blended the lots showing softer tannins and great fruit intensity. Though approachable now, it will continue to develop greater complexity over the next ten years.’ Very deep crimson. Exotically spicy notes rather reminiscent of stereotypical Mouton! An attractive drink already with ripe, interesting fruit and a dry finish. Not ashamed to display a bit of tannin at this early juncture – very unlike most California Cabs. Relatively GV . (JR)
A beautiful, fresh red with blackberry, blueberry and some chocolate. Pine, light toffee and coffee undertones. Dried herbs, too. Medium to full body with intensity and richness. Dusty tannins. Savory finish. Very drinkable now, but even better in 2023.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.