1989 Ridge Monte Bello
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
'Imported by Geoffrey Roberts' printed on the label of this bottle bought from the late Bill Baker's cellar. Deep blackish ruby. Very fragrant indeed. Lovely Cabernet nose that's fully evolved. Sweet, pure, minty nose. Clean as a whistle with a hint of balsam. Dry but not drying finish. Overall particulary savoury and nuanced and still in great nick. (JR)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Both the 1989 and 1988 Monte Bellos are mediocre. The 1989 exhibits adequate fruit and a spicy nose, but a relatively green, under-ripe, tannic, hard texture and a compact, austere, short finish.
Medium red, amber at the rim. Roasted, developed nose hints at walnut and prune; slight Madeira hint. Smooth in texture, but a wine of modest delineation and flavor intensity. I don't find the flavor development that the wine's 13.4% alcohol would indicate. Finishes with fine, tongue-dusting tannins that turn a bit dry.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.