Ridge Monte Bello - 2008 (750ml) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Asian spices

Asian spices

and well sustained on the palate

but it has always been more approachable and decadently fruity

A spoonful or two is enough for most non-gluttons to appreciate the riveting heights this cuvee represents

this is a relatively large-scaled La Conseillante that has always been one of the top wines of the vintage

Ridge Monte Bello - 2008 (750ml) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Asian spicesThe 2008 Monte Bello is striking. It is a decidedly muscular Monte Bello endowed with layers of dark fruit. Tobacco, mint, asphalt and crushed rocks develop in the glass, adding tons of complexity and finesse. A long, saline finish rounds things out beautifully. In 2008 the cold growing season stretched into October and the wine definitely has the feel of a cool vintage. The spring frost and the second year of drought conditions lowered yields