{"product_id":"2023-ridge-monte-bello","title":"2023 Ridge Monte Bello","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinous Media: 99 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “Quite simply, the 2023 Monte Bello is brilliant. It’s an unbelievably expressive wine in every way. Stunningly pure and delineated, the 2023 is an infinitely layered, complex, concentrated Monte Bello that attains superb balance and powerful concentration without a shred of excess weight. Dark blue-toned fruit, bay leaf, blood orange, crushed rocks and chalk press on with confidence through an epically long finish. The extended growing season meant that much of the Merlot in the vineyard never fully ripened, hence the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) in the blend. Cool conditions and long hangtime not only imbued the 2023 with immeasurable depth, it also cemented the hallmark cedary freshness that lifts Monte Bello like few other wines in the world. This is a Monte Bello for the ages. Drinking Window 2030 – 2063.” -Billy Norris (June 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Advocate: 99 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “The 2023 Monte Bello is the definition of classicism across every metric, seamlessly fusing a slow-moving, even-keeled profile with an enviable combination of charm, assertion and effortlessness. The nose opens with a perfect melange of red and black berries, framed by classically informed toasted, herbal and graphite flourishes, along with youthful vanilla undertones that meld with floral notes after aeration. The palate is simultaneously seamless, supple, juicy and firm, before moving into a long finish that is expansive yet expertly controlled, riding on a chassis of ultra-refined, chalky tannins. I had one bottle open for multiple days and saw nothing but an upward trajectory, with notable oak integration relative to its first-day showing. Additionally, I retasted the wine out of magnum in the context of a vertical spanning back to 1971, which only solidified my belief that this could prove to be one of the all-time greatest iterations of Monte Bello. It will be worth cellaring for a decade, at minimum, and should drink beautifully for at least the next three after that. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, and the wine achieved 13.2% natural alcohol.” -Matthew Luczy (April 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwenBargreen.com: 99 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “A spellbinding Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 ‘Monte Bello’ was initially blended from 30 lots in the Monte Bello Vineyard. From a slightly cooler vintage, the 2023 has a slightly larger portion of Merlot (9%) added. It offers cool wintergreen notes on the nose alongside sandalwood, orange bell pepper, and fresh sage that combines with shades of boysenberry compote on this intoxicating nose. The palate is lush and round with a terrific mouthfeel and loads of mouth-watering finesse. Showing stunning length, this beauty really needs a year or two in the bottle before savoring. Drink 2028-2050.” -Owen Bargreen (February 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWilfred Wong: 98 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “The 2023 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains is deep ruby with concentrated purple hues; captivating pine forest aromas layered with abundant blackberry and cassis; medium-bodied yet remarkably structured, showing both restraint and underlying power; dry, with fine acidity and impeccable balance; vibrant cassis and blackberry flavors unfold with precision, supported by firm, integrated oak nuances that add depth and complexity; beautifully composed with a firm, seamless, and exceptionally long, lingering finish. (Best Served: 2030-2055)” -Wilfred Wong (March 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJamesSuckling.com: 98 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “Haunting aromas of tobacco leaves, iron and graphite lead to potent, concentrated black olive, black cherry, wild sage and cocoa flavors in this fresh, brilliant classic from an elegant vintage. Aged in 100% new oak barrels, about 95% American. It’s tight and closed but bursting with potential. Unusually low in alcohol at 13.2%. Drinkable now if you want to, but it’ll be much better with time. Best from 2033.” -Jim Gordon (March 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Spectator: 97 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “Closed and brooding now, with a deep well of inky-dark black currant and blackberry reduction flavors encased in roasted mesquite and bay leaf accents. A ramrod of ferrous minerality courses through, while chaparral, sanguine and cedar notes permeate the finish. The chiseled, mouthwatering cut on the finish is the final sign that this will sit in stasis for some time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2035 through 2055.” -James Molesworth (June 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDecanter: 97 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “A super volcanic site at the top of the mountain, the Monte Bello is comprised of 80 sub fermentations, rich, structured, ageable and intense. These are wines built to last 20-50 years. Intense mountain garrigue, as California bay and eucalyptus, wild thyme and intense purple florals all swirl in harmony. Sappy purple fruits and wintergreen mint leaves soar from the wine’s aromatics. The texture is mouthcoating in spite of the serious tannins, it’s lively as red and black fruits combine, highlighted by a blood orange pith.” -Clive Pursehouse (February 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJebDunnuck.com: 96 Points\u003c\/b\u003e “The tremendously impressive 2023 Monte Bello blends 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, assembled together after a cold spring and long hangtime. Bay leaf, cedar, and warm baking spices accent a light-bodied frame of structured tannins and high-toned acidity, blended as usual from highly selected lots and spending nearly two years in barrel. It’s still shedding its youthful skin; enjoy best 2033-2045.” -Virginie Boone (March 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJancisRobinson.com: 17.5+ Points (out of 20)\u003c\/b\u003e “Deep purple. Rich, concentrated dark fruit and a backbone of toasty oak with intense spice. Very tight but with so much promise! Layered fruit, refreshing acidity and heaps of fine-grained tannin. Much more restrained than 2022 – needs another few years to open up.” -Samantha Cole-Johnson (May 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67830846456040,"sku":null,"price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0553\/4901\/8807\/files\/20261003_105633.jpg?v=1791043138","url":"https:\/\/shop.claytonwinehouse.com\/products\/2023-ridge-monte-bello","provider":"Clayton Winehouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}