1981 Ridge Monte Bello
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Tasting notes
The 1981 Monte Bello is also fully mature, and it's a pretty wine, though it won't go down in the history books as one of the benchmark vintages. Offering up notes of dried currant fruit, orange rind, medicine cabinet, cedar and spice, its aromas are subtly informed by the signatures of Brettanomyces. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, bright and chalky, with tangy acids and an evolved but sweet core of fruit. While it was overshadowed by greater years at this tasting, enjoyed on its own the 1981 is a complex wine with plenty of Monte Bello character. But now is definitely the time to drink it. It's a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot that attained a mere 12% alcohol.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A distinctly Old World profile emerges from the 1981 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello. Iron, smoke, herbs, dried cherries, mint and tobacco are some of the signatures. The firm tannins ensure the 1981 will drink well for another handful of years, give or take, but the edges are a bit frayed. I don't see much upside from further cellaring, although the 1981 might very well hold for some time. This is a distinctly ferrous, savory Monte Bello with a high level of Cabernet Sauvignon by historical standards.
Both sweet and savoury on its beguiling nose. Lots of lift and subtlety with a bone dry finish but great appetising fruit and drive. Surely one of the world's best red wines from this uncelebrated vintage? Bravo! (JR)
Very mineral nose, reverberant. A hint of mint. Lively and fresh. Super clean and long. Lovely balance. So long. So refreshing. An absolutely beautiful wine. (JR)
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.