2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Inky garnet. Smells of toasted coconut, black cherry and cassis. Muscular and powdery tannins that dry the mouth wrap around a core of black cherry and cassis. This is supposed to be the more accessible Cabernet from the Monte Bello estate, but I find the tannins and wood treatment pretty aggressive here, as my mouth is parched through a finish of whiskey barrel and salted liquorice. This one needs to wait a couple of years before drinking. (AY)

Ridge’s 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a fabulous choice for readers who want a Monte Bello fix now, without having to wait. Supple, radiant and silky, with tremendous balance, the 2017 is just flat-out delicious and utterly irresistible. Dark red cherry/plum fruit, mocha, licorice, sweet tobacco and a kick of American oak build as this sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon shows its allure. The 2017 is an outrageously beautiful wine. Don’t miss it.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate showed beautifully, with gorgeous notes of cassis, crushed violets, graphite, and lead pencil all emerging from the glass. Showing plenty of richness and depth, medium to full body, good acidity, and plenty of firm tannins, it's not a blockbuster, but it has the balance and class to evolve for 15 years or more. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot.