Title Ridge with Jasper Morris M.W.
Author: Linden Wilkie
Venue: I.O.D. building, 116 Pall Mall, London SW7
Date article was added: 25/03/05
Date of event November 4, 2003
Ridge - A Classic
Ridge has long been regarded as a classic in California. Although the estate dates back to the late 19th century, its history as a classic dates back to 1969 when Paul Draper joined. The 1970 ‘Monte Bello’ cabernet is considered one of the best ever made at Ridge, and in UK-agent Jasper Morris’s view, a fairly wine challenge pairing for the highly regarded Château Latour 1970. (That, we shall need to leave for another occasion!). Ridge has been consistently successful under the guidance of Draper.
Monte Bello Vineyard
This is not just flashy winemaking of course. The Monte Bello vineyard has an elevated (1330’ to 2660’ above sea level) position in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California, and has long been regarded as favoured vineyard land. Along with good aspect, free-draining soil, and favourable climate, it is this altitude which helps develop the crisp acidity and freshness in aromatics and flavour for which Ridge Monte Bello cabernet sauvignon is famous.
The Impetus
In 2001 I had the good fortune to drink a glass of the 1992 Monte Bello – blind – and it really impressed me. I wanted to see this wine in its context. The idea for this tasting was conceived during a conversation with Morris. He had recently taken delivery of tasting packs of Monte Bello 1992, 1991 and 1990 – enough to form the nucleus for a mini vertical, together with some of the interesting wines Ridge produce.
The Tasting
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Jasper Morris MW very kindly led this tasting.
As enjoyable a tasting was as a fine wine experience, and as charming and informative as Morris was, I must say I left this tasting feeling just a little deflated by the 1991 and 1990 Monte Bellos. Neither were showing particularly well – at least not as well as I had hoped. |
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That said, the 1996 and 1992 Monte Bello were, for me, world-class fine wines.
The Response
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I have, since this tasting, had the chance to try the 1981 Monte Bello. That is a seriously good wine. I have appended my tasting note for that wine to this review. It is worth seeking out.
Our vote at the end of the tasting revealed the Ridge Geyserville 2000 to be the most popular choice for the first 4 wines, and it was mine too. It’s good value at £21 too I think. |
Our vote at the end of the tasting revealed the Ridge Geyserville 2000 to be the most popular choice for the first 4 wines, and it was mine too. It's good value at £21 too I think.
The 1991 followed by the 1992 were the most popular vintages amongst our group (mine being the 1992). Interestingly (given the high reputation of the 1997 vintage), the 1996 was more popular than the 1997, and it was my 2nd favourite wine of the night.
Tasting notes below:
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