Jancis Robinson has written a fascinating review of 8 different Monte Bello vintages at her site, jancisrobinson.com. If anyone reads her article, please let me know your thoughts, and if you have your own tasting notes to compare and contrast, all the better! (Please feel free to send them across, thank you!)
Tags: Jancis Robinson, Monte Bello, Tasting Notes
May 1, 2009 at 2:06 pm |
I assume slaked is referring to the ‘71 Eisele …
May 1, 2009 at 2:34 pm |
The ‘71 does indeed appear to be the vintage in question. I’ve been talking to Paul Draper about this wine as well, and he’s very kindly offered some insight, which I’ll be posting shortly!
CW
April 29, 2009 at 11:46 pm |
Excellent reviews. The Jancis Robinson is certainly a site worth considering subscribing along with others.
Article quote: “Ridge Monte Bello is one of my favourite California reds, perhaps my absolute favourite. Those with long memories may recall that the 1996 Monte Bello served blind to 200+ Masters of Wine and MW students at their Napa Valley Symposium in 2006, was identified as European by all those present – except for the person who had had breakfast that morning with Paul Draper.”
The wines reviewed:
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 2005 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 2004 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 2003 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 1998 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 1988 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 1984 Santa Cruz Mountains
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello 1977 Santa Cruz Mountains
April 29, 2009 at 3:02 pm |
Just 8? I have 21 vintages reviewed on my blog and almost all the ATP and Z-list wines for the last 2 years, and notes on an assortment of other ATP releases from 1997, 1994, and 1993, with more to come. I’m no Jancis Robinson, but at least my blog is free
Thanks for the recent comment on the 1994 Jimsomare and the very generous link. As I’m sure you can tell, I’m a Ridgeophile.
(Now can anyone help me find the 1973 Ridge Eisele Vineyard?)
April 30, 2009 at 8:36 am |
Hey, fantastic! I was hoping you’d come by for a visit! I am very happy to say I am well aware of your prodigious literary output as regards our wines, and very appreciative as well; I’m thrilled to now have a companion place to swap discourse … and I believe we have a mutual friend in Lenn Thompson? Anyhow, as regards those 8 vintages versus your 21, I probably don’t know enough at this point to comment on the quality and price of Jancis Robinson’s blog, though I will say her posting on the various Monte Bellos made for great reading. That said, in view of that holy “price break to quality” ratio, 21 vintages for free is good bang for the buck!
Now, let me get on to digging up some info and experience about that ‘73 Eisele!
May 1, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I assume slaked is referring to the ‘71 Eisele … you’ll be digging for a long time looking for something on the ‘73.
April 27, 2009 at 5:38 pm |
Alas, this site requires payment to read
April 27, 2009 at 5:41 pm |
I know, I know, I just figured if there were some subscribers out there, it’d be fun to hear their thoughts. Have no fear, we’ll drum up some fine discussions on these wine, one way or the other!