2018 Ridge, California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains

Ridge Monte Bello's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend is a direct expression of Ridge Vineyards' pre-industrial winemaking philosophy and organic vineyard management. Sourced from high-altitude plots in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the vineyard features unique greenstone and clay soils overlying decomposing limestone, a geological rarity that imparts distinctive character. The 2018 vintage, defined by significant spring rains and a mild, extended summer with late-season fog, allowed for thorough physiological ripeness while maintaining the region's inherent firm acidity. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in new air-dried American oak, the resulting wine (74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc) presents a sleek, medium-to-full-bodied structure with polished, velvety tannins and a persistent mineral drive.