2012 MONTE BELLO, Ridge. California (Magnum)

Monte Bello is a single homogenous estate high up in the Santa Cruz mountains, south of San Francisco – and one of the most spectacular vineyards in the world. Poor limestone soils and a cool climate make for low yields and intense (but not over-blown) wine. The vineyard is currently being certified as fully organic.

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc; aged in new American oak for 17 months

Paul Draper’s Ridge is perhaps the most respected winery in California. Even more so now that the three separate estates (Monte Bello, Geyserville and Lytton Springs) have their own wineries and so operate like a French ‘Domaine’ rather than a bigger operation

At peak from 2025

18.5/20 from Jancis Robinson:
“Very deep purple. Burly and briary with great savour and beautifully managed tannins. Clearly very ripe fruit but great freshness. They say this has more tannin than first growths. Already a pleasure! Must be made with extraordinary skill. Heady, balsam notes. Really sophisticated with no sweetness nor alcohol. Great cleanliness on the end.”