2019 Ridge, California Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains

When investors think of Ridge, they think of cabernet sauvignon. It has been the estate’s flagship wine since opening in the mid-1960s, earning a reputation for intense and concentrated fruit flavors. But what makes Ridge Monte Bello investment-worthy isn’t a rigid commitment to one recipe; it’s the estate’s willingness to set aside tradition in pursuit of the best possible wine. That pursuit of perfection has earned Ridge Monte Bello an impressive seven 100-point ratings from critics over the years. The 2019 vintage has a good chance to be number eight. The estate reported an immaculate growing season with twice the usual rainfall, which accelerated growth and preserved nutrients in the soil. Meanwhile, summer heatwaves contributed to flawlessly ripe fruit. After the Ridge team blind tasted 28 lots and vinified the best ones, head winemaker Eric Baugher described 2019 Monte Bello as having “tremendous depth and complexity, showing great balance, with rich tannins that are coated in dark mountain fruit.” The Final Sip: Ridge Monte Bello offers double-digit returns and triple-digit ratings without breaking the bank.