Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – 2023
Bates Ranch · Fellom Ranch · Monte Bello · Vidovich Vineyards – Santa Cruz Mountains – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A beautifully balanced mountain Cabernet blend with a composition of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot that showcases Ridge’s signature restraint. The 2023 vintage delivers intensity without excess, deep, structured fruit framed by refreshing acidity and lifted aromatics. A wonderfully clear expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ cool-climate character.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, plum, and wild blackberry layered with graphite, cedar, dried sage, and faint tobacco leaf. Hints of violet, cocoa, and mountain herbs add nuance as it opens.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with refined tannins, bright natural acidity, and a mineral-driven core. Concentrated yet composed, power without heaviness. The finish is long, savory, and clean.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, rosemary lamb, roasted mushrooms, beef tenderloin, or aged cheeses like Comté or Cheddar.
Verdict
A lovely, balanced, and quietly intense Cabernet that delivers depth without going over the top. This is classic Ridge, mountain purity, elegance, and quiet power.
Did You Know?
Ridge sources this wine from four historic high-elevation vineyards, Bates, Fellom, Monte Bello, and Vidovich, all influenced by ocean-cooled nights and fractured limestone soils. These sites consistently produce Cabernets with structure and freshness uncommon in California. — 6 months ago
Excellent cab! Always great from Ridge, this one is full bodied, nicely aged (still has room to age more, but wonderful right now!, wish i had a couple more) — 5 months ago
Well-made single varietal cabernet grown near Monte Bello. Smooth blackberry and graphite. Round and medium weight mouthfeel. Less complexity given the single varietal but made with finesse. — a year ago
One of my absolute favorite California wines. The California Latour. ‘97 is superb—vividly detailed and complex with both power and elegance. A masterful balance of fruit, tertiary character and cooling acidity with a silky palate and melting tannins. Hard to beat for a Wagyu pairing. — 3 months ago
Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 5 months ago
Browning garnet.
Forest floor, mushroom, black currant.
Vibrant palate with silky tannins.
Impressive 25 year old cab:) — 6 months ago
Maybe too soon but my gosh this is great. — a year ago
Vinny Brooklyn
Second & last of my bottles. Wonderful, while ready to drink still has plenty of years ahead of it. — 2 months ago