CA Central Coast Trip summary - Day 7 & 8 Santa Cruz

Day 6. Santa Cruz Mountains

Ridge – Another destination winery and a place I have wanted to visit for years. As many have stated before the drive up Monte Bello road is a little nerve racking the first time but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. I have had the 2008 Monte Bello three times now and this was for me its best showing but that could be because it was not tasted next to the 2009 that I adore. The 2008 Monte Bello Vineyards Cabernet is wonderful, if not currently better, at a fraction of the price.

Day 7. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Mountains – Disappointing. I have no experience with this winery but from some comments I have read on wine boards expected more. Really found nothing I liked except maybe the Graciano.

Bonnie Doon – Also disappointing. Maybe I am wined out by here. I had been hearing about how Randall has sold off some of the other labels and was back to concentrating on what made Bonny Doon noteworthy back in the day. I did not see anything close to what I remembered from the “good old days” in what we tasted.

Vino Tabi – Another impulse stop. Avoid.

I was at Ridge for the first time two weekends past, and the drive was not as bad as many seem to think. Maybe if it is raining, it could be. A great view from up there, and if I'd had more time, it would be great to spend a warm afternoon at the picnic benches with lunch and a bottle.

I loved the 2008 MB too (and WA gave it 97+), and I have to get some more (I did buy one bottle, which, even with my ATP discount, was pricey). If the 09 is even better, I can't wait to try that (have you tasted it???? Was that at a Ridge event??).

I also thought the 2009 Mikulaco Chard (which I had never heard of before) was outstanding, and at $22, a steal.

I loved the 2008 MB too (and WA gave it 97+), and I have to get some more (I did buy one bottle, which, even with my ATP discount, was pricey). If the 09 is even better, I can't wait to try that (have you tasted it???? Was that at a Ridge event??).

Ridge comes to DC every year for the MacArthur California Barrel tasting and all they bring is 3 vintages of Monte Bello. April 2010 was 07, 08, and 09. April 11 was 08, 09, and 10. I don't believe the youngest of the three is final blend but the other two are suppose to be. Both times I had a distinct preference for the 09 and purchased it over the 08.

Thanx, Brian. I did not order 2009 futures, and I may have to kick myself if it IS better than the 2008. It is the birth year, too, of my youngest (by a mile) daughter.

[Jenise]

You have a new baby daughter? Well, congratulations!

If you are in Santa Cruz, you should try Four Gates, a very tiny winery on a hilltop, with a couple of acres of vines. It's a kosher winery, which is probably why I know about it, being friends of the winemaker. However, I have tasted many of his wines over the years, and they are getting better and better, as he gains experience. There's no organized tasting room, just him. If he ever gets visitors, they are just about all orthodox Jews, so I'm sure he'd love to get the perspectiv of others about his wines.

If you are in Santa Cruz, you should try Four Gates, a very tiny winery on a hilltop, with a couple of acres of vines. It's a kosher winery, which is probably why I know about it, being friends of the winemaker. However, I have tasted many of his wines over the years, and they are getting better and better, as he gains experience. There's no organized tasting room, just him. If he ever gets visitors, they are just about all orthodox Jews, so I'm sure he'd love to get the perspectiv of others about his wines.

That's good to know about, Craig. Thanks for the tip. What wines does he make?

Mark Lipton

Merlot and Cab Franc and Chard and Pinot, which he grows there. 3.5 acres of vines, CCOF and dry farmed.
http://fourgateswine.com/