Exclusive Virtual Tasting Experience w/ Ridge Vineyards

It is generally folly to talk of producing a wine that is perfect.  However, in the hands of the right winemaker and coupled with some of the most revered vineyard sites in California, the iconic Ridge Vineyards has accomplished this feat numerous times with wine from their Monte Bellow vineyard site.  

In 1959, three Stanford engineering grads purchased the Monte Bello vineyard from a Dr. William Short who had previously planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  After their initial two vintages of high quality Cabernet they made for themselves, the trio decided to bond the winery and go full time into production.

In 1972 they employed Paul Draper, another Stanford grad to be winemaker/partner.  Paul takes a hands off approach to their vineyards and winemaking letting the Monte Bello vineyard speak for itself.  Starting under Paul's watchful eye, Ridge Vineyards top cuvee Monte Bello has earned 4 perfect 100pt scores, putting Ridge in a truly exclusive club in the wine world.  The first 100pt Monte Bello wine was awarded in 1974, the same year that our guest host, Eric Baugher was hired as an assistant chemist at the winery and who has since worked his way up to his current head winemaker and COO role that he holds today.   

Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay 2018 - Coming all from the estate Monte Bello Vineyard, the 2018 Chardonnay Estate offers a medium gold hue as well rocking notes of caramelized apples, white flowers, honeysuckle, and crushed rocks. These all carry to a medium-bodied Chardonnay with bright acidity, a focused, chiseled texture, terrific minerality, and just a kiss of background oak. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have two decades of longevity, if not longer.-- 95pts Jeb

Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Dusi Ranch 2018 - Coming from the Benito Dusi Ranch Vineyard in Paso Robles and 100% varietal, the 2018 Zinfandel Paso Robles offers a big, classic nose of plums, cigar wrapper, sandalwood, and candied violets. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully fruited, and textured, it has good acidity as well as a clean, dry finish. It’s a classic Paso Robles Zinfandel to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years. --91pts Jeb Dunnuck 

Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 - Ridge’s 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a fabulous choice for readers who want a Monte Bello fix now, without having to wait. Supple, radiant and silky, with tremendous balance, the 2017 is just flat-out delicious and utterly irresistible. Dark red cherry/plum fruit, mocha, licorice, sweet tobacco and a kick of American oak build as this sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon shows its allure. The 2017 is an outrageously beautiful wine. Don’t miss it.--94pts Vinous

After purchasing your Ridge Vineyards Tasting Pack, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join us virtually, on the the 22nd. Event is limited to 24 tasting packs so get yours before they sell out. Cheers!