Ridge Monte Bello - 2008 (750ml) Châteauneuf-du-Pape It's a perfect aperitif for

It's a perfect aperitif for holiday gatherings

but it has always been more approachable and decadently fruity

Asian spices

this is a relatively large-scaled La Conseillante that has always been one of the top wines of the vintage

Tasters should take note of the wealth of peppery

Ridge Monte Bello - 2008 (750ml) Châteauneuf-du-Pape It's a perfect aperitif forThe 2008 Monte Bello is striking. It is a decidedly muscular Monte Bello endowed with layers of dark fruit. Tobacco, mint, asphalt and crushed rocks develop in the glass, adding tons of complexity and finesse. A long, saline finish rounds things out beautifully. In 2008 the cold growing season stretched into October and the wine definitely has the feel of a cool vintage. The spring frost and the second year of drought conditions lowered yields