Aged 24 months in barrels, half French and half American (65% new). Released after 2 years of bottle aging. From a high altitude, cool vineyard. Unusually for a California Cabernet, it has refined tannins, pleasant acidity, low alcohol for an American wine, a not-so-sweet taste, and a tight finish. Characterized by long aging.
Vintage Information
2017 was an excellent year, with ample rainfall during the winter, which benefited from the dry weather and soils of the previous year, favouring the development of the vines.
Yields have finally returned to average levels and the weather was pleasantly cool during the final stages of harvest.
The old vines are dry farmed, and as the vineyards are located at a high altitude in the mountains, the terroir is completely different from that of nearby vineyards, producing unique wines that are unlike any other.
Yield is 1 ton per acre.
Harvesting began on September 26th, 16 days later than the previous year, and ended on the 29th.
Technical information
Vinification: Wild yeast fermentation in small open fermenters.
The fermentation period is 14 days, followed by manual punch down.
Aged for 24 months in 50% French barrels (60% new barrels) and 50% American barrels (60% new barrels), racked 6 or 7 times during the aging period of just under two years, and released after two years of bottle aging.
Tasting Comments
A complex blend of pine forest, blackcurrant, sage and indescribable earthy nuances, with vanilla aromas galore.
Rich blackberry and cassis flavours.
As befits 40-year-old vines, the wine has been dry-farmed, giving it a firm structure and good balance, with soft tannins that further enhance the strength of the wine.
A wine that offers the luxury of being aged and enjoyed for a long time.
Can be aged for 17 years.
Field Information
Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted here in the 1940s, and the current vines were replanted in 1981-82.
Grapes grown in cool fields exposed to the breezes from the Pacific Ocean produce wines with concentrated flavors and without too much alcohol.
The 5 hectares of vineyard are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (3.9 hectares), Merlot (1 hectare), Cabernet Franc (0.06 hectares) and Petit Verdot (0.08 hectares).
Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson believes that the Santa Cruz Mountains' grapes, which are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, produce high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, with Ridge's Monte Bello and Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Estates being the two best.
Vintage: 2017
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend: 15% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard: Mount Eden Vineyards
Note: Wine Spectator 93 (Feb. 28, 2022)
Winemaker: Jeffrey Patterson
Vinification: Fermented with natural yeasts in open fermentation tanks
Aging: 24 months in 50% French barrels (60% new barrels) and 50% American barrels (60% new barrels).
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.0%
JAN: 791066123450