91+ 1994 Ridge Monte Bello 9/22/12 ($55)
73% CS, 15% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% CabernetFranc 12.7% alc
Color: Deep garnet with almost no browning. Quite young looking for 18. (3.5) Bouquet: Rich cassis and some black ink with subtle forestal complexity and elegant cedar. Delicious. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight to light heavyweight with a silky mouthfeel. Has excellent fruit and supporting acidity with smooth tannins. Very well balanced. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but not quite as giving. (3.0) Finish: Long and classy. (3.0)
Overall: A very classy Monte Bello with delicious, silky cassis fruit, some black ink, subtle forestal complexity and elegant cedar. The bouquet is particularly giving and pretty. I'd like to see more concentration, particularly in the flavor, which it may have delivered when younger. Delicious, nonetheless, and gets a plus for its silky sophistication. (16.0)
Copyright © 2006 - 2012, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com