(94+ points) The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from the estate Monte Bello Vineyard on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Hitting 13.8% alcohol, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a brilliant perfume of blue fruits, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil. Beautifully balanced and medium to full-bodied, with building tannins, it's a seamless Cabernet Sauvignon that has some up-front appeal given its balance and elegance yet will benefit from 2-5 years of bottle age and, I suspect, have 20+ years of overall longevity.

Incorporating 11% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with scents of charred dark fruits, scorched sage, graphite and black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and seamless, with lively acidity and elegant, layered tannins. Particularly animated and dynamic, this iteration of Estate Cabernet should be fascinating to follow. - Matthew Luczy

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a hugely appealing mix of fruit richness married to the savory, structured style that is the Ridge signature. The 2019 is beautifully exotic, but natural without the volume of the Monte Bello. I imagine it will drink splendidly with minimal cellaring. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and pomegranate. -- Antonio Galloni

Distinctive, with a burst of singed vanilla and savory leading off, followed by dark plum and blackberry puree notes that stream through. Shows singed mesquite and a sanguine note as this unfolds. Sleek, tight-grained finish. Best from 2023 through 2033. - JM