2011 Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains

The final blend of this wine has not been fully ascertained, however winemaker Eric Baugher said the following about the potential of the wine in December 2011:

"… we are tasting the lots regularly to track quality. Albeit unofficial until sit-down assemblage tastings in February, as things stand now, cabernet sauvignon stands out as exceptional, and will be a significant percentage of the blend. Although
merlot yields were low, it was a hard year for ripening. Our best guess is that we will include a small amount from the oldest, most water-stressed parcels. The petit verdot shows excellent aromatics, but may not be rich enough to include in the Monte Bello. Cabernet franc also had difficulty ripening; it did, however, produce beautiful results—the wine is opaque and structured. Alcohol is likely to be in the 12.7 -12.9% range, something we have not had for a decade. Depending on the outcome of first-assemblage blind tastings, this Monte Bello vintage might have as much as 92%
cabernet sauvignon. This hasn't happened since the mid-1980s. Based on the fine quality of the cabernet lots, with rigorous selection, the 2011 Monte Bello should rival any past wine from this great site. In a difficult cabernet vintage, it will be one of the few stand-outs."