California's most geologically diverse AVA, stretching from the San Francisco Bay to Monterey Bay, where Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon from limestone ridges at 800m elevation has achieved legendary status. The Santa Cruz Mountains blend Pacific cooling with warm days to produce wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | Pacific cooling preserved acidity; Monte Bello limestone expression excellent. |
| 2023 | — | Benchmark SCM vintage; Monte Bello conditions outstanding. |
| 2022 | — | Good conditions; Cabernet from limestone showing classical structure. |
| 2021 | — | Smoke impact managed; elevated limestone sites less affected. |
| 2020 | — | Variable smoke year; Monte Bello's elevation and inland position helped. |
| 2019 | — | Outstanding vintage; Monte Bello will be a 40-year wine. |
| 2018 | — | Classic California year; aging beautifully. |
| 2017 | — | Strong conditions; limestone-driven wines showing elegance over power. |