Monte Vino

Romano Dal Forno

Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore Corvina Blend 2013

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…

So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039.
— 9 days ago

Mark, Douglas and 5 others liked this
Zach D

Zach D

That’s a super tough blind tasting. Good deductive reasoning. Cheers

Bodegas Riojanas

Monte Real Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2005

Cedar, fruit in the background, coconut?. Mature and delicious — 22 days ago

Bodegas Mauro

VS Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Tempranillo Blend 2017

AEL
9.1

Outstanding. Granular and dense, dark berries, balsamic, fleshy, long lasting. Thanksgiving bottle #5. — 23 days ago

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

An icon for a reason. Exactly what you want from a California Cab. Balanced yet bold, powerful yet refined. Amazing. — 5 days ago

Marc, Andrew and 10 others liked this
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Unlike most other Cabs they use American Oak

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Blend 2018

Excellent cab! Always great from Ridge, this one is full bodied, nicely aged (still has room to age more, but wonderful right now!, wish i had a couple more) — 13 days ago

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 5 days ago

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

Dark red pomegranate, mushroom, bramble, light, enough acid to counter light tannins. Excellent cab. — 8 days ago

Mascota Vineyards

Unánime Gran Vino Tinto Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019

Tasted at Total Wine & bought a bottle. A little fruity. Not too bold. Good with steak. — a month ago

Bodegas Mauro

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Tempranillo Blend 2022

When is Spain….excellent blend! — a month ago

Jorge AzcueAna Perez-AbreuJose Cil
with Jorge, Ana and 3 others
Raul, Andrew and 2 others liked this