A fascinating comparison of two vintages of one of my favourite wines. 2011 and 2015 of Montebello from Ridge Vineyards.
The 2011 is the more linear wine, clearly marked by the high Cabernet content (88%). Cherry, blackberry, mature notes of forest floor, bell pepper, tobacco and aniseed. Fresh acidity, elegant tannins and medium length.
The 2015 is more hedonistic with ripe dark fruit in the foreground. Here the Cabernet content is 77%. Ripe dark cherry, plum, cassis, olive, tobacco. Very fine-grained tannin and a great concentration and length. Wonderful.
