I got an email yesterday that they were running low b/c production was less than in previous years. I replied right away, but don't know if I got any.

I talked to Ridge today and they told me that production was a little bit lower than 2004, maybe 2000 cases less. But they are selling out as of this week. I was told that the hype for 2005 is real and looks like this might be the best Monte Bello in the last 10 years. I was offered 6 bottles and I have been buying since 1999. I never can remember when Monte Bello sold out. If you can get it, get it!

They are completely sold out. I was able to get my order in just before they ran out. My plan was to get more as we got married just down the coast from there in 2005. Guess that's what I get for waiting. Here are quotes from a couple emails I exchanged with them.

"you are correct- it is no longer available as we are sold out as of yesterday - March 29th."

"We've had to turn away many customers. No wine to sell! "

Montebello futures are currently available through Berry Brothers

In my email box this morning was an email that they put in my order for 6 bottles.

I got 12

Sold out? Holy Anna. They never sell out before May!
Damn. I was going to buy a case once I'd got my tax refund. Been too busy to sort it out.

Oh well, maybe two years from now someone will be kind enough to trade some for my 01s, 02s and 03s.

Woo Hoo! Ridge contacted me and offered me six bottles!
Now that's what I call customer service.

I know that alot of the wine is allocated to futures, but how much is put aside for Retail? Selling out 2 months before the final blend is even in bottle. I know that there were a lot of talk about 2005, but this is really wierd. Are they pushing the Collectors program? or are they in trouble?

It is all over in retail, they make a lot of wine. But, you will pay more for it. Are they in trouble?!? - that depends, how old is Draper, how much does he have left in him? But, I am sure someone is in training. At $65.00 still, today - a given. Classy wine, classy people, classy cust service. Such an easy buy as far as I am concerned.

Overwhelming demand for one's product sometimes can be a good thing.

A friend of mine was asking if I got any of this and I said "yes, but just a six pack". I normally purchase 375s, mags and 3L too. She replied that she thought the shortage could be caused by one of two things, their new "Monte Bello collectors club" or the fact that Ridge can now sell to New York directly which they had not been able to do until about three months ago.

The same thing happened with the 1985 Ridge Monte Bello. It was highly touted by Draper and the critics and it was from a vintage that was thought to be the best since 1970. I disappeared within days of release. My guess is that the 2006 will be available in May next year.

I think it was a combination of factors. The supply is down a bit. The demand is higher because of buzz about the vintage, the various wine boards helping to spread that buzz, and the comparatively low price making it attractive to new buyers who read about the wine on the boards. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the boards played a role.

-Al

wait listed for 6 - i missed it by a day or two

I heard that IWC raved about it before Xmas, though I haven't been able to find a review yet.
Now I need to start thinking about whether I'm in for the 07. Money's getting pretty damn tight these days

Here you go:


Deep ruby. Explosively perfumed nose offers a profound bouquet of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, yellow rose, Asian spices and vanilla bean; you could use this for incense. Deep and sweet but remarkably precise, offering powerful dark berry and kirsch flavors supported by substantial, velvety tannins. The fruit plows through the finish with superb energy, depth and clarity, fully absorbing the tannins. A big but wonderfully balanced example of Monte Bello, and sure to reward extended cellaring.  95pts


I am cutting back on cabs too.  Ridge MB will be the last one standing.

UPS.com says my six pack was signed for this morning.