Ridge Santa Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

"The outstanding 2024 Ridge ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Sourced from several high elevation locations, this opens with a bright bouquet of dark currants, tar and black licorice alongside exotic spices on the nose. The palate is heady and dense, as this is somewhat tightly wound right now — but has some terrific cellaring potential. Only 13.4% alcohol, you would not guess that based on the outstanding flavor density. Give this an hour of air if consuming now. Drink 2026-2041."

"A very firm, fresh, compact and agile wine with a racy structure of good acidity and fine-grained tannins. Light- to medium-bodied, offering red and black cherry, cranberry and subtle oak spices like cedar and cocoa that feel bright and precise as you sip. Drink or hold."

"Hailing from an iconic mountaintop vineyard, this Cab, which includes 6% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, offers a more affordable means to tasting this special site. Potent aromas of black cherry, blackberry, chocolate and oak lead from the nose into a tense palate black currant and purple flower flavors. The sticky tannins will mellow soon."

"A regional overview drawn from Monte Bello, its neighbor Fellom Ranch and Bates Ranch, the 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a textbook expression of the region and is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Blackberry, asphalt, vanilla and dried sage aromas mark the nose, followed by a creamy mouthfeel with a compact, concentrated core. The finish is a pleasant combination of lush, lifted and discreetly structured."