Monte Bello v Napa

Corison Palm House

An historic vertical tasting of the jewel in Ridge's crown and a selection of Napa wines that – hallelujah – made it over the Atlantic. Above, the Palm House built in St Helena in 1898 by the Nachbaur family. Leo Nachbaur planted Cathy Corison's famous Kronos vineyard in 1971. See also Monte Bellissimo savoured.

On successive days at the end of last month London was treated to some very special California wines.

The most exciting tasting was a 20-vintage vertical of my favourite California Cabernet, Ridge Monte Bello, the grandest of Ridge’s 60th anniversary celebrations and the most comprehensive...