The 2005 Monte Bello is beginning to drink very well indeed, revealing complex aromas of sweet currant fruit, rich soil, cedar cigar box and sweet spices. With time in the glass, nuances of dark chocolate and loamy soil emerge too. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with fine-grained structuring tannins, the first signs of emerging savory nuance and a bright, beautifully focused finish. As it approaches age 13, the 2005 is still very youthful—indeed, this particular bottle was more reserved and taut than the last four or five that I’ve encountered—so there’s certainly no rush to drink it. Cropped at just under one ton per acre, the 2005 is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc that attained 13.4% natural alcohol.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPRugged in its youth, this vintage has blossomed. There are opulent blackcurrant and blackberry aromas, with a dash of vanilla. It’s suave and full-bodied but not extracted, and the fine-grained tannins and integrated acidity give a polished mid-palate. Spicy and complex, it displays impeccable balance and exemplary finesse. Very long.Decanter Magazine | 97 DECYouthful nose, with a very wide spectrum of red and black fruit, as well as delicate notes of cardamon pods and vanilla beans. For 18 years of age this still has a serious tannin structure and remarkable vitality on the compact palate. Very long, complete finish with plenty of chalky minerality. A cuvee of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot and 6% petit verdot. Tasted at the Thomas Kammeier Monte Bello vertical. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 97 JSRidge’s 2005 Monte Bello is beginning to show the first signs of aromatic development, although it has more than enough depth and density to drink well for another twenty years. Tobacco, cedar, leather, spice and menthol add considerable nuance. The tannins are nicely resolved, which makes the 2005 an excellent choice for current drinking. The 2005 is not a blockbuster, but it is super-polished and refined, with an almost exotic sense of ripeness from the warm, dry summer and low yields of that year.Vinous Media | 96 VMAt a good drinking stage, this is smooth-textured, with a mix of ripe, supple plum, black cherry, anise, dill and licorice notes, ending with fine-grained tannins that still have grip. This has a reputation for aging. -- 2005 California Cabernet blind retrospective (September 2015). Drink now through 2025. 2,000 cases made.Wine Spectator | 90 WS
