Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello

Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello in Santa Cruz Mountains.

Their wines are made with Bordeaux varieties with the focus on expressing soil, climate and varietal characteristics.
Ideal single vineyards were searched to make wine which reflects its terroir.

Vineyards are located at the top of the hill, at 2000 feet elevation.

There usually is gorgeous view but not this day. There were fires nearby.

Ridge wines are not certified as organic; however, they use sulfur to ensure proper long term ageing but everything else about their wine making is pretty much organic.
Vines are grown organically. Horse manure is used as a fertilizer and pests are controlled in organic way.

I didn't get to see these gopher hunters 

Pest control manager Monty

Their wines are made with grapes only from their own vineyards or reliable vine growers with long term contract.

Lytton Spring 2015
74% Zinfandel,16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane, 2% Mourvedre.
Lytton Spring is a vineyard in Sonoma.
Ripe red and black fruit, dried fruit, herb, sweet spice and coffee.
Powdery tannin.

Ponzo 2015
97% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah.
Red and blue fruit, raisin.
Good food wine.

Pagani Ranch 2015
83% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante Bouschet, 7% Petite Sirah
Ripe fruit and green peas.
Medium tannin and well balanced.

Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2015
Aromas of flower, berries and blue fruit.
High and fine tannin. Decent wine.

Monte Bello 2014
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
Tropical fruit and spice, like rum. Coffee and mineral.
High, powdery tannin.
How can I put it... very well-mannered wine.

Monte Bello 1995
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc.
Farmyard and tea. Aged more than 20 years but there were still freshness.
Soft tannin, well integrated. Complex wine with depth.

Their wines are great, whatever the occasion is, but enjoying them being surrounded by the terroir that are expressed in the wine made me appreciate them even more.