Ridge Vineyards’ 100-pt Monte Bello MASTERPIECE

Why Buy: A pair of showstopping releases headlines this set of 5 from the legendary Ridge Vineyards: their Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100-point “powerhouse of strength and energy,” in the words of Karen MacNeil (who calls Monte Bello the most iconic Cabernet) from what James Suckling deemed a “classic, age-worthy vintage”; and the 50th anniversary edition of their renowned Lytton Springs Zinfandel, a wine long considered a benchmark for the variety, with a vibrant yet structured profile. We’re huge fans of Ridge’s untrendy, uncompromising approach to winemaking — what Ridge itself calls its "pre-industrial” philosophy, eschewing modern techniques in favor of the verities that defined Bordeaux and 19th century California: wild yeast fermentation, minimal filtration, and the judicious use of oak. The results — well, taste them for yourself: these are wines of unparalleled purity, complexity, and ageability that have rightly earned Ridge a place among California's most revered producers.

What They're Saying: “It's won every award imaginable, and it came in first in the official 30-Year Re-enactment of the famous Paris Tasting of 1976,” MacNeil wrote, starting off her 100-point love letter. She went on to say: “The 2021 Monte Bello is cooling and vibrant and rich of course, but it also has a compelling choreography. Fast then slow then fast again. It’s a head trip. Buy a bottle or two now while you can. You’ll be happy you did.” James Suckling was equally enamored of the 2021 vintage, describing it, in his 100-point rave, as "massively concentrated... with a linear intensity and drive” that is likely to "age and improve for several decades.” The 2022 Lytton Springs Zinfandel elicit a similar enthusiasm from the critic Wilfred Wong, who wrote, "When I tasted the 1973 Lytton Springs Zinfandel upon its release in the early 1970s, I fell head over heels for wines made from these vineyards. The 2022 has re-kindled that feeling. This is the second time I tasted this vintage (the first time was a few weeks ago at the vineyard site with the Ridge crew and colleagues in the business. All I can say is, 'Wow!'”

Our Tasting Notes: 

• From the moment the 2021 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon pours into the glass, it captivates with its deep, inky hue — a harbinger of the sheer power and sophistication to come. The aromas are a mesmerizing tapestry of blackberry, graphite, and dried herbs, promising a palate of profound complexity. And the first sip? Revelatory. We loved the seamless interplay of dense, penetrating fruit, finely sculpted tannins, and a spine of bracing acidity that lends an almost electric vibrancy to the wine. 
• The 50th anniversary Lytton Springs Zinfandel shows what so many have been missing, tapping wonderfully into the variety's unparalleled potential. Brimming with vibrant red and black berry fruit, exotic spice, and a hint of earthy savory notes, it strikes a delicate balance between power and finesse, its supple, mouth-filling texture underpinned by a refreshing grip of acidity and fine-grained tannins. 
• The 2021 Petite Sirah from the Lytton Estate is a bold and brooding beauty, its inky purple hue giving way to aromas of ripe plum, cracked black pepper, and a whisper of violets. The palate is unapologetically muscular, with a core of concentrated dark fruit flavors supported by a framework of firm, mature tannins and a lift of refreshing acidity. 
• In the 2022 Zinfandel from the Pagani Ranch, we find a wine that perfectly captures the vibrant, sun-drenched essence of Sonoma. Brimming with juicy blackberry, raspberry, and a hint of peppery spice, it's a Zinfandel that deftly balances richness and energy.
• A refreshing counterpoint to Ridge's hearty reds, the 2023 Grenache Blanc is redolent of citrus blossom, stone fruit, and a hint of saline minerality. It's a wine of crystalline purity and vibrant acidity.

The Story: When it comes to the storied history of California wine, the Ridge Vineyards tale reads like the stuff of legend. Picture it: the year is 1962, and a young upstart named Dave Bennion has just produced his first bottles of Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that would go on to earn global acclaim and cement this fledgling estate's status as a true titan of the industry. Two years later, Bennion and his team rolled up their sleeves and got to work on an equally ambitious project — crafting what would become one of California's most iconic Zinfandels, the inimitable Lytton Springs. From those humble beginnings, Ridge has gone on to pioneer the art of single-vineyard winemaking, scouring the length and breadth of the Golden State in search of those rare and exceptional sites where climate, soil, and varietal are perfectly in sync. But the secret to their success isn't just about finding the promised land of terroir; it's about a steadfast commitment to a "pre-industrial" approach that runs counter to the modern wine world's focus on churning out high-scoring bottles.While so many of their contemporaries were busy chasing trends and playing the numbers game, the visionaries at Ridge have marched to an altogether different beat, guided by the revered principles of 19th-century California and Bordeaux. No additives, no gimmicks — just a relentless pursuit of quality, authenticity, and the unadulterated expression of each site's unique personality. To us and to many others, this is California winemaking at its finest, a living, breathing testament to the power of passion, patience, and a pioneering spirit.

The Specs: To produce the 2021 Ridge Monte Bello, the winemaking team employed 100% whole berry fermentation, allowing the native yeasts to work their magic. The wine then spent 19 months aging in 100% new American and French oak barrels, developing the profound structure and nuanced complexity that have made Monte Bello one of the most collectible Cabernets in the state. As for the Lytton Springs Zinfandel, it's a classic Ridge blend, composed, primarily, of Zinfandel, with about 1/5th Petite Sirah for depth and richness and Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet making up the rest of the blend. The grapes are organically farmed, fermented on native yeasts, and aged for 16 months in a combination of new and seasoned American oak barrels — a process that preserves the wine's signature vibrancy and restrained power.

What to Pair Them With: These are wines that can absolutely stand on their own, in any setting, but that will also grace the table, with the structure and complexity to stand up to a wide array of cuisine. The Monte Bello would be right at home alongside a perfectly grilled ribeye or a rich, umami-laden mushroom dish, while the Lytton Springs Zinfandel would shine alongside barbecue, charcuterie, or even enchiladas with red sauce. The Ridge Grenache Blanc is a vibrant, aromatic beauty that is a natural partner for seafood, salads, and lighter fare.

Fun Fact: Tucked away in the estate's expansive vineyards, you'll find small plantings of more obscure grapes like Alicante Bouschet and Carignane — unexpected gems that the Ridge crew loves to incorporate into their vibrant, site-expressive blends. And every few years, they'll even dabble in an innovative cuvée, blending in refreshing aromatic varieties like Gewürztraminer or Muscat to add a unique twist. 

Our Guarantee: Remember, friends — we always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. This is a rare opportunity to secure an extraordinary lineup from one of California's most iconic and influential producers. But don’t delay — quantities are extremely limited.