From Monte Bello, with 19% Merlot and small additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, harvested in late October and November due to the coolness of the vintage, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate saw extended fermentations and is light-bodied and elegant, made from the most approachable lots of this famous site. Red fruit-dominant, it offers firm, expansive tannins, oak spice, and sharp acidity, dazzling in cranberry, clove, and cedar. This will benefit from further aging and sing for another 15-plus years. Enjoy best 2030-2038.
95 points, Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2026)
Classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, its a cool vintage in a very cool site, and at Montebello this harvest finished in the middle of November. It has all the timeless notes of California mountain herbals, bay leaf, eucalyptis and manzantia and purple sage. It's intensely focused, and the tannins are prominent. But elegance is the watchword here. Woodland berries, and sumac with white pepper and a glimpse of lemon zest. Brillliant.
95 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Feb 2026)
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with a dark-fruited, slightly dusty and herbal bouquet framed by American oak notes that are already remarkably integrated. The mouthfeel is suave and tense, balancing tensile energy with ample textural breadth. The finish succinctly captures the vintage's characteristics, giving equal weight to vibrant energy, tenacious yet refined tannins and Ridge's classically structured style. This is an exceptional bottling, and while it is somewhat approachable now, a bit more time in the bottle to further integrate its élevage would be beneficial.
94 points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (Apr 2026)
Offers inviting aromas and flavors of gently warm plum puree and cassis before a solid spine of mesquite, iron and savory starts to emerge. As that clamps down on the finish (for now), sanguine and cedar accents fill in liberally. Shows the textbook chiseled, angular feel of a young mountain Cab; this just needs cellar time. Best from 2028 through 2040.
94 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Jun 2026)
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