Ridge Vineyards "Santa Cruz Mountains" Cabernet Sauvignon '24

This blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc comes from the famed Monte Bello vineyard as well as from other sites in the Santa Cruz AVA.  By sourcing grapes from several vineyards at higher elevations, this wine highlights the structure and balance that define mountain-grown cabernet.  The grapes are hand-harvested, whole cluster fermented with natural yeasts.  The wine spends 17 months aging in oak: 70% American and 30% French oak (14% new, 41% one year old, 33% two years old, 2% three years old, 2% four years old, and 10% five years old).

The nose starts with boysenberry, black plum, and cedar aromas layered with notes of violet, sage, and clove, leading into a medium- to full-bodied palate of spiced black cherry and blackberry compote. Balanced and fresh, the wine shows focus, savory herbal notes, and well-defined tannins that provide structure. The finish is long and lingering, with persistent dark fruit.  This is a wine intended for earlier enjoyment and is drinking great now.