Top 5 Wines for Sept. 10 - 14

The 2008 Ridge Monte Bello has a deep purple-red appearance, showing impressive concentration and depth. The nose offers a wild amalgam of very ripe black fruit aromas alongside some intriguing wet wood, wild herb and slightly volatile floral notes. I can't help but think of a New World version of the idiosyncratic Valpolicella of Quintarelli when I smell this. It is not for everyone, but then again, it doesn't really matter. The palate is succulent and full, not heavy, with firm tannins, moderate 13.3% alcohol, bright acidity and long finish still dominated by wood. This needs another three or four years minimum before it should be revisited, but will make intriguing drinking for fans of real and authentic wines.