Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2012

Saturated ruby. Ripe cassis, blackberry, violets, licorice, wet stone, oak spice. Strong blackberry fruit on entry; superb full body; structured, velvety tannins; toasty oak; crushed-limestone minerals; long, intense finish.

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot. "A dry winter ended abruptly in February, as we raced to finish pruning before new growth emerged. That early start to the growing season, and late September heat, threatened to over-ripen the fruit. With help from our Sonoma crew, we harvested in a record sixteen days. Despite limiting pump-overs and pressing early, tannins were quick to extract, producing one of our most structured vintages. In tastings, 19 of 24 parcels were selected for this exceptional wine. Balanced and appealing now, it will come into its own with twenty years of age, and show well at fifty" (EB, Ridge Vineyards Wine Master).