Pearson's Notes

74% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot and 8% petit verdot
Deep, full ruby. Explosively perfumed nose combines black raspberry, violet and dark chocolate. Wonderfully layered and penetrating, with expressive flavors of raspberry, currant, bitter chocolate, spices and tobacco. Still an infant, but already offers a rare combination of sweetness and inner-mouth energy. Finishes very fresh and very long, with big, dusty tannins and great lift. This is high in alcohol for Ridge at 13.3%, but a full degree or more lower than virtually any other collectible California cabernet from this vintage.

Wine Advocate - 94 points

The 2002 Monte Bello exhibits aromas of tar, cedar, damp earth, white chocolate, black cherries, and sweet black currants. This full-bodied, dense, tannic 2002 is even more closed this year than it was last. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2037. This impressive wine is unlikely to win many blind tastings given its current austerity.

Steven Tanzer - 94 points

74% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot and 8% petit verdot. Deep, full ruby. Explosively perfumed nose combines black raspberry, violet and dark chocolate. Wonderfully layered and penetrating, with expressive flavors of raspberry, currant, bitter chocolate, spices and tobacco. Still an infant, but already offers a rare combination of sweetness and inner-mouth energy. Finishes very fresh and very long, with big, dusty tannins and great lift. This is high in alcohol for Ridge at 13.3%, but a full degree or more lower than virtually any other collectible California cabernet from this vintage.