Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2022 750ml

Product Info

96pts Wine Advocate
The 2022 Monte Bello is a rich and distinctly firm iteration of this classic cuvée, evoking a hypothetical blend between the textural power of the 2017 and the bracing structure of the 2015. The nose displays a classically deep and resonant bouquet of red and black fruits, vanilla pod, dark chocolate, cigar wrapper and dried herbs, with balsamic overtones and admirable oak integration. The palate combines lush generosity with an eminently sturdy core, concluding with a stern, bracing finish of firm tannins, pleasantly complemented by gentle succulence. It will take time to view the full potential here, but it certainly delivers the tried-and-true profile long-time fans will expect. This vintage is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink Date: 2032 - 2047

Naturally, the main event of any tasting at Ridge is the latest release of Monte Bello, and I'm pleased to say that the 2022 vintage is a beautiful iteration, one that stands out as one of the firmer and more bracing examples of the modern era. Also noteworthy is a particularly impressive expression of the 2023 Estate Chardonnay, which beautifully captures the aromatic lift and effortless character of the vintage. In other news, Ridge recently opened an additional tasting room in Paso Robles, and Monte Bello Winemaker Trester Goetting, who was responsible for the 2022 and 2023 vintages, has departed the team. Head Winemaker and Chief Operating Officer John Olney has taken over the role at Monte Bello, with Lauren Lyall serving as Assistant Winemaker. Published: Aug 21, 2025 Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy

Terroir
Monte Bello is one of California’s most singular winegrowing sites — a rugged, high-elevation ridge of fractured limestone and shale in the Santa Cruz Mountains, perched above the fog line and swept by cool Pacific winds. The 2022 vintage expresses this mountain terroir with striking clarity. The combination of altitude, thin rocky soils, and dramatic diurnal shifts gives Cabernet Sauvignon an unmistakable profile: intense yet restrained, powerful yet lifted. Vines struggle in these mineral-rich but nutrient-poor soils, producing small berries with concentrated flavors, naturally high acidity, and an almost European sense of structure. Monte Bello’s terroir is always evident in the wine’s architecture — the refinement of tannin, the clarity of fruit, and the long, vertical mineral line that seems to rise through the center of the palate. The 2022 vintage carries that tension beautifully: ripe but never heavy, bright but deeply layered, shaped by the mountain’s cool backbone.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Ridge’s approach is famously transparent, focused on minimal intervention and clarity of site. The 2022 Monte Bello was harvested by hand, block by block, with fermentation in small lots to capture each parcel’s character. Native yeast fermentations, gentle extraction, and careful monitoring preserve purity and precision. Aging traditionally takes place in predominantly American oak — a Ridge signature — with a modest proportion of new barrels. This brings subtle spice and toast, but always allows the mountain fruit to speak first. The tannins in 2022 are finely etched rather than forceful, signaling both careful extraction and a vintage of balance. The wine shows moderate alcohol for a California mountain Cabernet blend, lifted acidity, and a structure clearly built for decades of evolution. Monte Bello is always cellar-worthy; 2022 appears poised to be one of those vintages that marries early beauty with long-term promise.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Monte Bello shows a deep yet translucent ruby-garnet hue — a hallmark of its mountain origins. The bouquet opens with cassis, black raspberry, and wild blueberry, interlaced with graphite, crushed rock, and freshly split cedar. As it breathes, more subtle notes emerge: dried sage, violet, cigar tobacco, and a faint whisper of cocoa. The palate is beautifully sculpted — medium to full-bodied, but never dense. Bright, energetic acidity carries flavors of dark berry, red currant, and plum skin across the palate. The mid-palate reveals Monte Bello’s signature mineral tension, along with nuances of pencil shavings, mountain herbs, and subtle oak spice. Tannins are firm yet polished, giving the wine an elegant spine. The finish is long and resonant, echoing blackcurrant, forest floor, and a persistent mineral note that feels almost stony. It’s a wine that feels both youthful and deeply composed — a classic Monte Bello expression.

Food Pairing & Service
The structure and mountain-driven brightness of Monte Bello 2022 make it a versatile partner for richly flavored yet refined dishes. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, roasted duck breast with black cherry glaze, and herb-rubbed ribeye are natural pairings. Earth-toned dishes — porcini risotto, roasted root vegetables, or truffle pasta — beautifully highlight the wine’s mineral core. For cheese, choose aged, firm varieties such as Comté, aged cheddar, Pecorino Toscano, or Alpine-style cheeses that complement both the wine’s acidity and its subtle savory notes. Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). If drinking within the next 3–5 years, decant for at least an hour to fully reveal the aromatic layers. Cellaring for 15–25 years will reward patience with increasing complexity: more tobacco, leather, earth, and refined tertiary notes.