1988 Ridge Monte Bello TN?

Oh, and I realize 1988 was one of the worst years ever for California in general, but there's always diamonds in the rough.

Dark Helmet

As a long time Ridge fan, I wondered about this one, so I visited the Ridge Web site. Go to "Wines" then "Monte Bello" and you'll find that the 1988 isn't available from them directly any longer. Scan through the reviews and tasting notes and you'll find this from Robert Parker (Wine Advocate):

TANNIC AND ANGULAR, WITH EXCESSIVE ACIDITY FOR THE AMOUNT OF FRUIT PRESENT. IT IS LIKELY TO DRY OUT AND BECOME ATTENUATED.

And this from the redoubtable Marvin Shanken (whom I would like to be in some future life, only taller and without the raggedy beard) of Wine Spectator:

STRONG MEATY, VEGETAL AND SMOKY AROMAS AND FLAVORS WRAP TIGHTLY AROUND A MODEST CORE OF RASPBERRY AND CURRANT IN THIS RAW, TOUGH-HIDED WINE THAT NEEDS UNTIL 1996 TO ‘99 TO SHED ITS TANNIN AND SHOW WHAT IT HAS. TASTED FOUR TIMES. PREVIOUS BOTTLES TASTED HEAVY AND MEDICINAL.

So, the conclusion might be that Parker tasted too early and that by now this rough diamond might have developed some sparkle...or possibly not.

Ahhh, overall, it doesn't sound like this wine fared much better in the '88 vintage. I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the help,

Dark Helmet

Was this really a note from Shanken? I didn't realize he did notes. Dale

Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply

Santa Cruz Mtns is pretty distinct area, and doesn't neccessarily follow "California" vintage charts (where they usually mean Napa and Sonoma). A little searching on the other site I frequent had these:

from 2000 Had one of the nicest wines I''ve tried in a while last night - a 1988 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Blend (95% CS 3% Me 2% PV I believe). The "wine steward" recommended this as a big wine drinking nicely now - however he had obviously not tried too many Barossa shiraz before! This aside, the wine was fantastic and out of the glass and decanter with little airing time (detected a whiff of VA I think), the wine defined balance. It had thrown quite a sediment crust, and though the restaurant lighting was dim, in the glass the wine appeared to show a little bricking. What a gorgeous mouthfeel! My comment was that it was like drinking liquid velvet, and is definitely an argument for ageing wines. The label lists ageing potential of 15 years, and concur that it still has life - but it is drinking so nicely now, I wouldn''t bother. The only complaint I had about the wine is that with time in the glass, the wine seemed to fall apart a touch on the finish - but only a touch.

Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 1988: Nose of cassis & hints of dark green bean & smoke, some nice earthy-funkiness--yet another beautifully balanced wine with a rich complex midsection that mingles the dark fruit with earthy notes and segues into a long, darkly fruity finish. Craig immediately and firmly declares this the wine of the night. I'd still go with the Tertre-Roteboeuf, but it's close.

from 2001:

1988 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Montebello red wine - "Greeeeeeen Acres is the place to be! Faaaaaaaaarm livin'' is the life for me!" The house wine of Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor. More funk than George Clinton. Past that, this is holding up well, all parts integrated nicely. Drink now.

The second & third notes are from Chris Coad and Jay Miller, respectively, 2 tasters I know and generally trust. I don't know the first and last guys.

I'd say it might be worth trying, but only for present consumption.

HTH Dale

Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply

Dunno for sure. The link at the Ridge site was labeled: "1988 MONTE BELLO Annual Cabernet Report, Marvin Shanken , Wine Spectator , Press" so I jumped to contusions.

Certainly Parker's review of the '88 Monte Bello was damning, but your notes (except for "Greeeen Acres.....") seemed to indicate a better wine. My estimation is that MB is pretty consistent in quality.

Still, I don't know that a bottle off the shelf of a dealer would carry the provenance to guarantee it being representative of the vintage.