Ridge Torre Merlot 2016

Ridge Torre Merlot 2016 is a limited-production bottling from the Monte Bello estate in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains. It forms part of Ridge’s Historic Vineyard Series, which isolates individual parcels from the four historic ranches that make up Monte Bello, bottling them separately only when the fruit shows sufficient individual character. The Torre property has been part of Monte Bello’s history since the early twentieth century, when the Torre family established a vineyard and small winery on the site. Ridge acquired the property in 1959. This 2016 release comes specifically from the south-facing ‘Bowl’ block, planted to Merlot in 1988. Its sheltered position creates a warmer microclimate than more exposed parts of the mountain, which proved particularly beneficial during the relatively cool 2016 growing season. Made from 100% organically grown Merlot, the grapes were harvested on 24 September and fermented with native yeasts. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation before spending 17 months in American oak, 60% of which was new. Ripe bramble fruit, red cherry and blackcurrant are joined by anise, toasted oak and the crushed-rock character associated with Monte Bello’s limestone-rich soils. The palate combines concentrated fruit with firm acidity, polished tannins and integrated oak spice, leading to a long, structured finish.