Taste one of the wines that helped make California wine country famous.

The 1971 Ridge Monte Bello placed sixth in the 1976 Steven Spurrier blind tasting (now known as "the Judgment of Paris") that showed California's wines could compete with the best of France. 30 years later, the Monte Bello won the re-enactment of the event by a large margin: These wines only improve with age.

With the 2012 release of Monte Bello, the 50th anniversary of the wine, Ridge is still making headlines.

Wine Spectator awarded the 2012 Monte Bello 94 points, saying:

"A beautifully structured wine, with firm acidity and tannins that show grip and grit amid a core of dense, tense currant and blackberry fruit, turning juicy. Those seeking classic old-school Cabernet will embrace this. Cellaring for five to seven years is the right approach. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2035."

Robert Parker awarded the 2012 release 94 points, while Vinous Media rated it at 98.

Both the New York Times and Bloomberg Business writers called the 2012 Monte Bello one of the 10 best of 2015.