2004 Ridge, California Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains, Magnum (1.5L)

JD94 "A great bottle, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is still youthfully plum-hued and has textbook notes of ripe black and blue fruits, vanilla bean, lead pencil shavings, and chocolate, with some classic American oak traces clearly present. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's nicely balanced, has integrated tannins, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's certainly mature and I don't see any upside, but it will unquestionably evolve for another 15-20 years in cold cellars. It's another beautiful Monte Bello that's in a good spot today." JD Oct 2023