Ridge Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Monte Bello 1995

Still plenty of punch on the nose, this has held its form and shape, not quite the soft generosity of the 1985, acidity feels a little higher here, with mandarin peel, mint and bitter almond notes against waves of blueberry and blackberry fruits, with a violet curl. Good quality, still feels young and intact, well structured, the tannins are holding everthing in place, with black pepper spice in evidence on the finish. Enjoyable, a little edgy. Almost entirely new American oak, rest new French oak.