The Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Monte Bello 1990 is from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot grapes and has 13.5% alcohol by volume. It was stored properly since release, had a fill in the neck, and had no cork or other issues. This wine still has a deep color with just a bit of age showing, and it has an intense bouquet and taste while being more complex than the Monte Bellos sold in the
1970s, often labeled Cabernet Sauvignon and often having less of other grape varieties. It has very good balance and a long finish. It is ready but likely will keep longer and could even improve just a bit. This is as good a Ridge Monte Bello as I can recall tasting. On the back label, P.D. thought the wine would continue to develop for 20 years and claimed that this might be the finest vintage since 1970. I think his forecast was right, although I have not had all vintages of Monte Bello between 1970 and 1990 and thus can not rank the quality of this wine in that period.I am drinking up some odd bottles of red Bordeaux from the 1970s. Chateau La Tour Carnet 1976 and Chateau Lynch-Moussas 1976 had been properly stored since release. The Lynch-Moussas had some very poor reviews early on. I was not expecting much. However both wines are holding fairly well and do not have technical flaws. They are a bit rustic and less complex than for a better red Bordeaux. I have recently noticed that some red Bordeaux wines from the 1970s that are far from the top of the list have lasted very well. I wonder if some of the more recent wines made in a more modern style will last as long. It really does not matter much for wines of lower classification, because most of these will be consumed within a few years.