High up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where most people wouldn’t think to plant Cabernet, Ridge Monte Bello has been quietly rewriting the rules since the ‘60s. It’s not flashy, and it’s definitely not trying to be Napa, but that’s exactly the point.

Monte Bello doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Grown in cool mountain air on limestone-rich soils, it’s structured, fresh, and built to last. There’s power here, but it’s all muscle and tone, no fluff. Think classic Bordeaux, if Bordeaux took a sabbatical in California and came back smarter and better looking.

The winemaking is as hands-off as it gets, with native yeast, American oak, nothing overly polished. It’s old-school in the best possible way. Every vintage tells you exactly where it’s from and who made it. No spin, no gimmicks.

Monte Bello is the kind of wine that rewards patience but doesn’t punish you for opening it early. It's serious without being stiff, confident without showing off. For those who already know it, it's a the pinnacle. For everyone else, it’s about time.

Come see what California Cabernet tastes like when it plays by its own rules.