🏰 The 2016 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is a masterful expression from the Santa Cruz Mountains, lauded for its power, breadth, and layered complexity. This vintage followed late winter rains that brought relief from drought, with cool nights slowing ripening and developing firm acidity. The wine is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, organically grown. Critics have showered it with praise, including a perfect 100 points from Billy Norris of Vinous Media. It presents an opaque purple-ruby color with aromas of ripe blackberry, barrel spice, anise, violets, and crushed limestone. The palate offers an opulent mountain fruit entry, firm acidity, and fine-grain, age-worthy tannins, leading to a powerful complexity and tremendous length on the finish. 【 100 points from Vinous Media 】. 🍴 This bold and structured red wine is an ideal partner for hearty dishes. Think classic pairings like beef and venison, or a rich prime rib. It would also complement a slow-braised lamb shank or a robust mushroom risotto. 🥂 Perfect for a significant milestone celebration, a sophisticated dinner party, or a serious wine tasting event where its aging potential and complexity can be fully appreciated. While approachable now, it's built to evolve beautifully over the next thirty years.