2018 - Ridge Monte Bello

I tasted the 2018 Monte Bello as a finished barrel sample during the annual Ridge Monte Bello Tasting Final Assemblage event; the blend was 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 11% Petite Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and youthfully primary nose with boysenberry, blueberry jam, blackcurrant, dark chocolate-covered cherries, cigar box, graphite, loamy earth and oodles of floral character. The palate is medium to full-bodied and packed full of flavor layers, knit by very fine, ripe, pixelated tannins and great freshness and finishing very long.

The 2018 Monte Bello is supremely elegant and sublime. I can't remember a young Monte Bello with this much pure finesse. Perfumed floral and spice notes and silky tannins give the 2018 a feel of total refinement. Today, the 2018 comes across as medium in body, and a wine that will age on its superb balance, rather than size or structure. I can't wait to taste it in a bit more finished form.