100 points James Suckling
Tightly wound at this stage, the wine is massively concentrated, taut, yet trim and medium-bodied. Aged in 100% new oak, predominantly American, it offers espresso, blackberry, black cherry and vanilla bean flavors with a linear intensity and drive. Known to age and improve for several decades, this is one of California’s most collectible cabs and from a classic, age-worthy vintage. Best from 2031.
98 points Decanter
It's a journey. This wine offers high mountain pine bough, petrichor, and floral predominance of violet, high mountain lavender, and scrub. The palate is crisp and taut, with bright berries, blood orange and savoury mint. A true mountain wine with alpine herbs and wildflowers that lift deep fruit tones of blackberries, figs and muddled mint leaves. Leather, crushed stone and smoked cedar plank come together in America's most singular and iconic Cabernet Sauvignon.
97 points Vinous
The 2021 Monte Bello is a top-tier wine from this reverential site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The blend contains quite a bit more Merlot than usual (31%), which is a reflection of reduced Cabernet yields stemming from the drought-riddled 2021 growing season. Broad, infinitely layered and rooted in deep spice tones, the 2021 opens with a forceful kick of wild blackberry and orange peel, delving deeper into complex layers of black olive, new leather, violet and sweet pipe tobacco. Surprisingly giving and undeniably fresh, the 2021 is precise, laser-focused and propulsive, stationing the midline of the palate with an army of well-honed tannins and culminating in a finish that seemingly never ends. This is everything Monte Bello should be. -- Billy Norris
97 points Wine Enthusiast
This ageworthy classic is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this vintage. The nose offers focused aromas of blackberry, toasted herb and light caramel with a hint of cocoa dust. The firm, leathery palate feels like it will last forever, as waves of berry, herb, pepper, clove and pencil shavings flow on. Drink now-2045. — Matt Kettmann
96 points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in mostly new American oak. It reminds me of the 2016 with its beautifully balanced, seamless style, and it has a riveting perfume of pure crème de cassis, sweet tobacco, lead pencil shavings, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and absolutely seamless, it's a gorgeous Mont Bello that's surprisingly already accessible, yet it won't hit full maturity for 7-8 years but will have 30+ years of longevity
96 points Wine Advocate
2021 marks the start of a new era at Ridge, now under the stewardship of Trester Goetting and longtime Ridge veteran John Olney following the departure of veteran winemaker Eric Baugher. The 2021 Monte Bello is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot due to drought-induced low yields, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon. It is already assertive and polished on the nose, with aromas of cassis, dried tobacco, green peppercorn, mint and figs springing from the glass. The palate is suave and refined with electrifying energy and persistence, leading to a sophisticated finish of ripe black fruits and drying, layered stately tannins. Even in this embryonic stage, the perpetual pedigree of Monte Bello is here in spades; cellar for a decade and enjoy over the following two and beyond.
