Winzer über:
Monte Bello
-- Winzer: Ridge Vineyard 2014 Monte Bello Vintage Report: The vines experienced their third consecutive year of drought, receiving only one-third of normal rainfall, 11 inches vs. 35 inches. Early bud-break was advanced by unusually warm January weather. Fortunately, winter weather arrived at the beginning of February with a series of cold fronts that stalled vine growth, but brought only two inches of rain. Seven inches of rain in March and April, and warm weather in late April pushed growth forward, with adequate water in the root zone to carry the vines through summer with no serious water stress. Bloom occurred during fair weather from mid-May through early June, resulting in an even fruit set. We thinned after veraison to balance the vines and assure intense flavors. Fog and cool breezes from the west, off the Pacific Ocean, moderated temperatures and helped avoid water stress in the vines. Having seen earlier-than-normal veraison in Monte Bello's Bordeaux varietals, we began flavor sampling in late August. Typically ripeness varies 2˚- 3˚ brix between the bottom and top of Monte Bello, allowing harvest to proceed at a moderate pace. This year, however, there was very little difference in ripeness, preparing us for a short, fast harvest. Tasting revealed sugar to be ahead of flavor (much as in 2001). The first block of cabernet was brought in on September 2—the earliest in our history by two-and-a-half weeks. It was quickly followed by more parcels, harvested without a break over the next eleven days. The vineyard crew was finally able to take a day of rest on Sunday. Resuming work on Monday, they continued picking the balance of the vineyard, and finished September 24. We normally finish October 24 or later. As usual, destemmed whole berries fermented on natural yeasts. Natural yeast fermentations began within two to three days of harvest. This year, the wines remained on their skins for six to fifteen days, averaging ten days before pressing. We made greater use of high-quality press fractions than in most recent vintages. We moved the wines to new american oak, along with their gross lees, for natural malolactic. Forty-eight separate lots are now in barrel. It is difficult to compare the 2014 with any other vintage this early, but we can guess, on the basis of similar growing seasons, ripeness, and tannin extraction, that 2014 will match the outstanding, full-bodied 2001 vintage. As always, cabernet sauvignon will dominate the Monte Bello. Merlot, which suffered in 2013, came back strong, and might contribute upwards of 30% to the blend. Cabernet franc and petit verdot struggled through the dry growing season. Having sampled from the vine, the fermentors, and now from barrel, we know that the 2014 Monte Bello is of superb quality in the classic Ridge style.
