We tasted this pair at our Cabernet tasting at Pig+Fig on Wed:
1. Ridge MonteBello Calif MonteBelloVnyd/SantaCruzMtns (13.0%; 72% CabSauv/25% Merlot/2% CabFranc/1% PetiteVerdot; Y=166 tons from 105 acres; 42% Slctn; bttld March 2001; 93% air-dried Am.oak/7% Fr.oak; Drk: 1/01-1/11-1/16: PD) 1999: Very dark color w/ slight bricking; strong smokey/coffee bean/toasty/smokey/oak some blackcurranty/Cab/licorice/pencilly/cedary rather complex nose; lightly tart strong blackcurranty/Cab/earthy/slight herbal strong coffee bean/toasty/oak slight angular/astringent quite complex flavor w/ light hard tannins; very long/lingering strong blackcurranty/Cab/licorice/pungent coffee bean/toasty/smokey/oak slight earthy/herbal slight earthy/dusty/OV/herbal rather complex finish w/ light hard tannins; still seems like a youthful MonteBello but showing some slight hard/drying edges.
_________________
2. Ridge MonteBello MonteBelloVnyd/SantaCruzMtns (13.7%; 82% CabSauv/9% Merlot/8% PetiteVerdot/1% CabFranc; Y=143 tons from 65 acres; bttld June 2021; Drk: 4/21-4/46-4/51: JO) 2019: Very dark color; very strong coffee bean/espresso/pungent/smokey/oak/toasty very strong ripe/blackcurranty/Cab slight dusty/OV/earthy some complex nose very youthful nose; some tart/tangy very strong blackcurranty/Cab/bit herbal/earthy strong toasty/coffee bean/pungent/oak classic young MB bit complex flavor w/ ample hard tannins; very long/lingering strong blackcurranty/Cab/dusty/OV/bit earthy/herbal strong toasty/smokey/oak bit complex finish w/ ample chewey tannins; a very classic MB Cab that baly needs age to resolve the tannins but absolutely superb to drink now. $155 (MBC)
___________________________________
A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. My latest MB Cab arrived a few weeks ago, so decided to pare it w/ an older MonteBello. Both were classic distinctive MonteBellos. From the drinking window, John must think it's an exceptional Cab. Can't tell it by me.
Tom