The 1995 Monte Bello is actually a Proprietary Red Wine as the blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. It was made from an extremely severe selection of only 25% of the harvest. Paul Draper feels it is the biggest, brawniest, and most muscular Monte Bello of the 1990s, and in need of 10-15 more years of cellaring. This saturated ruby/purple-colored effort is still backward, with a closed nose of minerals, oak, and subtle black fruits. In the mouth, it is large-scaled, tannic, rich, and long, but nearly abrasive because of the wine's high tannin level. This youthful, muscular, monster Monte Bello will require significant cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035. - RP
Good richness and depth, with a core of cedar, dill, smoke and dried currant and mineral. A savory style, with a racy edge on the finish, but the dryness and simplicity of fruit is a concern. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc.--1995 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2009. 3,600 cases made. — JL (2005)
(12.5% alcohol): Dark red. Wild aromas of musky red raspberry, spices, earth, minerals and leather. In a distinctly cool style, not to mention low in alcohol and a bit lacking in flesh compared to most of the Napa examples, with pungent acidity keeping the berry and mineral flavors fresh today. Conveys a talc-like dusty quality and finishes with slightly dry-edged tannins. Still youthful and energetic but I would have liked a bit more fruit and texture to support the wine's framework of acidity, tannins and oak. This may yet merit a higher score.- Stephen Tanzer (6/216)
Producer: Ridge
Vintage: 1995
Varietal: Proprietary Red
Country: USA
Region: CA - Central Coast, Santa Cruz Mtns
Sub-Region: Santa Cruz
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Sub-Appellation: Monte Bello
SKU: #
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