Monte Alto
Abbazia di Novacella (Stiftskellerei Neustift)
Stiftskellerei Neustift Kerner
I freaking love this wine, the purity of melted snow by sweet high elevation sun — 18 hours ago
Ridge Vineyards
Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 25 days ago
Concha y Toro
Don Melchor Puente Alto Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Medium ruby hue. Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, licorice, and vanilla. Plus body, plus acid, plus tannins. Exquisitely smooth and integrated on the palate, with soft, grainy tannins. Even a hint of banana on the palate. Long finish. Drinking well now but well worth cellaring. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot. — 12 days ago
Ridge Vineyards
Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay
Delightfully complicated California Chard masquerading as a White Burgundy. French nose and French finish. Minerals, flint, stone and fruit—apple, pear, peach and nectarine, with an obvious but restrained layer of oak. Not overly fruity or oaky; no pineapple or butterscotch here. Paired well with the Seafood Tower, Swordfish and Black Cod at the Water Grill Santa Monica. This was a juvenile 2021 vintage, tasted in 2024. Eager to try this gem after another half decade. — a month ago
Jay Kline
Opened the evening prior at 7pm and double-decanted; the bottle was left at room temp with the cork pressed lightly back into the neck until service. The 2000 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and a slightly water rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous and showing some real power with a compelling combination of ripe and desiccated fruit: dark brambles, cassis, leather, dill, olives, spiced meat, tobacco and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and whoa is it ever delicious. This has to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink now through 2040. — 10 days ago