One for the Weener

[Kcwhippet]

Here's a goodie for you. My friend from Saratoga, CA is out here on business, and he dropped into the shop last evening bearing gifts. He brought out my six pack of Ridge 2002 Monte Bello Cab Franc. The manager immediately offered me double what I paid for one of them. I couldn't refuse. Anyway, even though it may be infanticide, I was thinking of bringing out one just to see what it's like to sip a one time deal. Whaddya think?

[Innkeeper]

Sounds like a plan.

[wondersofwine]

KC, did you mean to say Cabernet Sauvignon? You posted under that heading but called it Cab Franc. Monte Bello is, I believe, from C.S. grapes.

[winoweenie]

I think the Monte will be fine. Just give it a week to rest and decant afore poppin' that sucker. Great stuff. WW

[Kcwhippet]

WoW, I did indeed mean Cab Franc. From what I understand, this is the first, and only, bottling Ridge has made of the Cab Franc from the Monte Bello vineyard. Never made one before 2002, and haven't made one since. They made 5 barrels from the Monte Bello North Gate Block that didn't get included in the final blend of Monte Bello. My friend was at a component tasting of the 2002 vintage at Ridge and the folks there were saying they didn't think they wanted to put it into the blend, which only has Cab Sauv, Merlot and Petite Verdot. Apparently, everyone at the tasting urged them to bottle it separately, so they did.

[jmcginley1]

oh wow. now that sounds like a rare treat.

[Kcwhippet]

Well, we see how one is at the August event, then the rest will sleep for a few years.