2013 Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains
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Tasting notes
As for the reds, the 2013 Merlot Estate (100% Merlot from the Monte Bello Vineyard) achieved 13.8% natural alcohol. It is an elegant, restrained and well-crafted Merlot with sweet dark cherries, some spicy oak, and medium body, but not much structure. It is clearly crafted in a more finesse style than some of the Merlots from further north in Sonoma and Napa. This dark ruby-colored wine should be drunk over the next 7-8 years.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Merlot Estate shows just how extraordinary this vintage is at Ridge. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2013 Merlot hits the palate with serious intensity and tannic heft. Dark and virile to the core, the 2013 is flat-out delicious. Even with all of its intensity, the 2013 retains the classic Ridge sense of mid-weight structure. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2013 for at least a few years. This is impressive stuff.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.