1988 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello | Santa Cruz Mountains | 750ml

The 1988 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains is a rare mature vintage from one of California’s most iconic and respected producers. Ridge Monte Bello is known for its mountain-grown structure, Bordeaux-inspired elegance, and impressive aging potential.

With decades of bottle age, the 1988 Ridge Monte Bello has developed classic mature Cabernet-based character. Dark fruit, cedar, tobacco, graphite, leather, and earthy spice come together in a refined profile that appeals to collectors of aged California wine and Bordeaux-style reds.

On the nose, expect cassis, blackcurrant, dark plum, dried cherry, cedar, tobacco, leather, graphite, dried herbs, spice, and subtle earth. The palate is mature and structured, showing dark fruit, polished oak, mineral depth, savory herbs, refined tannins, and balanced acidity. The finish is long and elegant with lingering cedar, tobacco, graphite, spice, leather, and black fruit.

The 1988 Ridge Monte Bello 750ml is ideal for collectors, birth-year bottles, anniversary gifting, private cellars, fine dining, and lovers of mature California Cabernet blends. Its historic producer, Monte Bello vineyard pedigree, and vintage age make it a standout addition to any serious wine collection.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cassis, blackcurrant, plum, dried cherry, cedar, tobacco, leather, graphite, herbs, and spice
• Palate: Mature dark fruit, polished oak, mineral depth, savory herbs, refined tannins, and earth
• Finish: Long, elegant, and mature with lingering cedar, tobacco, graphite, spice, leather, and black fruit

Product Details

• Type: Red Wine
• Style: California Cabernet Blend
• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Expression: Monte Bello
• Vintage: 1988
• Region: Santa Cruz Mountains
• State: California
• Country: United States
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Taste Profile: Mature, structured, dark-fruited, earthy, savory, mineral, and collectible

Why You’ll Love It

• Mature 1988 Ridge Monte Bello from the Santa Cruz Mountains
• Collectible California red from one of America’s most respected wineries
• Classic aged profile with cassis, cedar, tobacco, leather, graphite, and spice
• Excellent for collectors, anniversaries, birth-year gifting, and cellar placement
• A refined alternative for lovers of mature Bordeaux-style wines
• Strong vintage display appeal in a classic 750ml format

Serving Recommendation

Serve at around 60–65°F. Because this is a mature vintage bottle, allow it to stand upright before opening. Decant gently only if sediment is present, and let the wine evolve slowly in the glass.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with dry-aged steak, prime rib, roasted lamb, duck, veal, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, aged cheddar, and classic steakhouse cuisine.