1994 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (10/2/2017)
Opened several hours before dinner, this was mouth searingly tannic. I double decanted the wine off its sediment, and took the bottle to the restaurant for dinner. It was ultimately served about 3.5-4 hours after the double decant, and in much better balance. The fruit had rebounded, and the tannins were obvious but no longer painful. Still it was 10-20 years too early. I ended up taking about six ounces home, and had it tonight. While the fruit showed a bit of a tired edge from 28 hours of air and two car trips, the overall balance was on point, giving greater assurance that more time will bring greater rewards. That won't do me any good, as it was my only bottle, but maybe someone will find the information to be of use.
This was served as part of a horizontal of 1994 California Cabernets. It was accompanied by the Dalla Valle Cabernet, the Dalla Valle Maya, the BV GdLT, the Mondavi Reserve and a 1992 (!) Montelena. The overall flight of 6 wines was one of the best I have ever experienced. The Monte Bello and Maya need the most time, and for my palate have the most promise. The '92 Montelena is also amazing. The Dalla Valle Cab was the most drinkable/fun, and the BV and Mondavi were both on point and delicious. It could not have been better. FYI, only my Monte Bello was decanted in advance. The BV was decanted at the restaurant.