1996 B.V. Tapestry

[MontereyRick]

WW old poo old bean ol ..oh forget it...

not what it says on the back of the bottle... Monte Bello and Santa Cruz Mountains are cabs produced every year... Coast Range (not made every year) is the 3rd tier but is produced from the same grapes (admittedly the left over ones) that come from the same 3 vineyards from which Monte Bello is produced.. I'll try to remember to copy exactly what it says if I get one of the bottles together in the same room as my computer..

As for the Santa Cruz Mountains Cab, it says directly on their website...

"Ridge Santa Cruz Mts
The Santa Cruz Mountains Viticultural Area extends roughly from Highway 92 in the north to the town of Aptos in the south. When Ridge uses the term "Santa Cruz Mountains" on a front label, a narrower definition is intended. The so-designated Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet all come from vineyards on Monte Bello Ridge, whose cool climate and limestone sub-soils are particularly well-suited to cultivation of those varietals.

CABERNET
The three Monte Bello vineyards where bordeaux varietals are grown range in elevation from 1300' to 2660'. The three are divided (roughly, things change) into three dozen parcels, or blocks, each of which is harvested and fermented separately. Of these, the tougher, more structured lots become the Monte Bello, while the softer and more forward become Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet. Though these wines are capable of aging for ten-plus years, they are neither as long-lived (nor as expensive) as the Monte Bellos. And it's not such a crime to drink them young; the '94 and '96 are tasting awfully good right now, but will continue to improve for some time. As a rule, they show red or black currant, sometimes a hint of berry or cherry, cedar, cocoa, and toasty oak. This cabernet clearly reflects its Monte Bello origins, and is a boon to the impatient."

...and believe me, the Coast Range comes from the same location and more importantly, I enjoyed it very much at a very reasonable price ($18.99). I also bought a case of the 1999 Santa Cruz Mountain Cab last week at $25/bottle with case discount... havn't tried one yet.