Ridge Vineyard Monte Bello Vintage 2018 South Africa

Ridge Vineyard Monte Bello Vintage 2018 South AfricaAbout the wine In 1886, high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the first Monte Bello vineyards were planted, and winery construction begun. A first vintage from the young vines followed in 1892. During Prohibition (1920 1933), the vineyard was not fully maintained; some vines survived into the late 30s, but by the 1940s they were effectively abandoned. Eight acres of cabernet sauvignon were replanted in 1949. These were the source of the first Ridge Monte

the Capital town of the Graves Region has a long history

I'm getting more of these for sure

Sadly not a great vintage from this uneven decade

Drinking really well now

Bought by Etienne Denis in the 1947 and still in family ownership today

Cheval Blanc managed to produce a medium bodied

it also produces this highly prized Zinfandel at the Monte Rosso Vineyard

elegance and ageing potential

This is one example

The 1981 Chateau Beychevelle was lighter in style to the 1982 and 1983 vintage

If it does not have the charm of the 1962

but it could probably use a touch more acidity