Exciting day in the bunker here with the latest arrival of one of our favourite wines: Ridge Monte Bello 2006.

I think we began selling Monte Bello with the 1996, so this is the tenth vintage of our career in selling this remarkable wine from one of California's most respected wineries. In fact, I'd go so far as to call Ridge one of the first growths of the Californian wine industry, given Paul Draper and his teams ability to turn out such impressive wines year after year.

Ridge is an unusual new world winery in many ways, its wine being marketed by the vineyard location from where they are produced - a very old world idea. This puts lots of emphasis on soil, location, micro-climate and a mix of grapes planted there that suits that particular and unique location.

After all, these are the people that stunned the wine world with their success at the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting (now also a film 'Bottle Shock' starring Bill Pullman, Alan Rickman and Chris Pine), with their 1971 Monte Bello winning first place against some of the very best that California and Bordeaux had to offer. In fact it is testament to the quality of Monte Bello that when the tasting was repeated in 2006 for its 30th anniversary, Ridge Monte Bello again came out top.

Once a 100% pure Cabernet varietal wine, Monte Bello has been Cabernet dominated since 1975 with various other typical Bordeaux varieties included in the blend to add complexity, structure and interest.

Ridge Vineyard's ethos of letting the vineyard do all the hard work, followed by minimal intervention in the winery, lets the fruit do all the talking for them. End result: silky smooth red wines with fine tannins and wonderful fruit concentration.

This 2006 vintage is another great example to add to the pantheon of previous vintages:
'Complex mix of ripe mountain bramble, cassis, and currant fruits; dark chocolate, toasty oak, licorice, exotic spice. Full-bodied, with elegant chalky tannins, sensuous balance, integrated oak. Pure Monte Bello.'

Great excitement here in the Surf4Wine offices today... two new red wines AND English Summer truffles (Tuber aestivum/unicinatum) have just arrived. Delivered straight from our secret source somewhere in deepest, southern England, we have been anticipating their arrival for a several weeks now. In fact, David Thomas of Caviste (with whom Surf4Wine now share offices and a warehouse), is off fungi hunting in October - so look out for news of his fungi foraging and more food and wine thoughts on his return.

Summer truffles aren't as pungent or as strongly flavoured as winter truffles and these English ones tend to be found on the surface near to certain trees (oak, hazel and beech) as opposed to beneath the ground like black winter truffles. Nevertheless, they are much sought after by cooks and food lovers and add a touch of luxury and flavour when added to eggs, pasta or simple roast chicken. If you would rather have a chef do the work for you, then check out this Telegraph article about truffle hunting with John Campbell, chef at the Vineyard restaurant in Berkshire.

These English summer truffles are actually pretty good value too, certainly compared to their more pricey European winter relations. At £10-11 for a large truffle (approx 50g) these fungal delicacies perhaps make a bit more affordable Autumnal treat. Stocks are limited, but if you would like to sample these rare delights, please buy Summer truffles online here.

So, what to drink with these 'diamonds of the kitchen' (well, diamonds at least according to  French gastronome Brillat-Savarin...)?

Well, as it happens we've just taken delivery of two tasty reds that fit the bill perfectly...

 

Barbera Riva Leone @ £6.95/bottle: From Piemonte, home of Italian truffle's and made from Barbera, one of the region's best known grape varieties.....Dark berry fruits with a core of fine tannins and the typical Barbera acidity that makes these wines so perfect to accompany big hearty autumn meals - perfect with any pasta dish, pheasant and game.

Marmesa Vineyards ‘Cabrillo Peak' Pinot Noir 2007 @ £11.95/bottle: From a single vineyard block in the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of the smallest quality coastal appellations in California, where the south east facing slope, with cobble soils, makes it near perfect for Pinot. A classically structured Pinot, beautifully perfumed with focused flavours of ripe berries, dark cherry and summer hay. Ripe and juicy with a lingering finish of vanilla and pepper spice - great with mushrooms, truffles, game and the richer autumn foods. This outstanding value wine would normally retail at £16.95, but through our extensive trade contacts we've managed to secure a small parcel at a very special price and can therefore pass on the savings to you. Hurry while stocks last...