Last Tasted 5/94This blockbuster Cabernet Sauvignon remains closed, with more promise than current appeal. The saturated purple color displays no amber or signs of evolution at the edge. The nose reluctantly offers up pure aromas of black fruits, minerals, and licorice. Extremely full-bodied, with layers of rich, glycerin-dominated, sweet, jammy fruit buttressed by zesty acidity and abundant tannin, this large-scaled, surprisingly well-proportioned and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon requires another 5-8 years of cellaring. It is a candidate for 20-30+ years of longevity. So what's new?

The decade of the 1980s was somewhat complicated for Ridge, but the 1984 Monte Bello is a real high point, opening in the glass with a classic bouquet of cigar box, red and black fruits and sweet soil. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and bright but powerful, with an ample core of rich fruit, melting tannins and a long, tangy finish. While it's drinking well today, and I don't see much to be gained from further aging, I'd expect this to cruise along in a cool cellar for the next decade. While it was somewhat overshadowed by the 1974 on this occasion, it's a fabulous Monte Bello and the best vintage of the decade.