Jay Kline

9.3

Opened several hours prior to service and enjoyed over the course of the following few hours. The 2017 Montecillo pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with very pretty notes of tart, slightly underripe dark and red fruits: currants, blackberries, Montmorency cherry, raspberry, fresh leaf tobacco, bell pepper, purple flowers, graphite, earth, gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with a good dose of minerals. The finish is long, tart and grippy. Okay so I’ve had enough of Ketan’s wines by now to expect a certain amount of greenness. Sometimes, particularly with Vare, it’s almost offensive. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case here. It’s certainly on the more elegant end of the spectrum but there’s a lot of character, particularly with the aromatics which are not only precise but rather beguiling. A classic that just needs more time to flesh out. For sure though, this is going to be a polarizing wine for many. Drink now with extended air but better after 2027 and probably has the legs to run well past 2047. — 5 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2021 vintage. Not a fan of Sonoma Cabs (excepting the old late 70's-mid 90's Laurel Glen efforts). Exceptional polish and harmony for a great but new vintage release. Medium body. Drinking verry nicely now but should really start strutting its stuff in 3-4 years. A "pretty" Sonoma Cab. 10.30.24. — 4 months ago

Phil Kessling

9.0

Double decanted. So smooth and so classic Bordeaux. Cigar box, purple fruit, integrated tannins and oak. Still drinking strong. — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.7

Of all the American red wines that participated in the Judgement of Paris, it could be argued that Monte Bello has shown the greatest propensity to age. In fact, I would go as far as it requires lengthy cellaring to extract its best. I’ve had the good fortune to drink a number of tremendous vintages of Monte Bello over the last several years and this one has got to be at or near the top of the lot.

Opened and poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1991 Monte Bello pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core moving out towards a light ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart black currants, mixed bramble fruit, tobacco, some purple flowers, dill, mint, leather, earth, vanilla and associated baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. The structure remains tremendous which again, seems to indicate youth. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is super long and immensely satisfying. This is one of those wines that will outlive most humans. Drinking well now with a short decant but this has the gas to see 2061 with ease. — a month ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Expected inky purple-black color in glass. Opens up earnestly after uncorking and a few days in the wine fridge. Blackberry and plummy fruit on the nose, drinks the same with dialed-back acidity and soft tannins on the finish. While it’s not a full-on #napavalley fruit bomb, it’s wanting for complexity - too one-dimensional for my taste. — 4 months ago

Severn Goodwin

9.3

2009 | Red Blend — 5 months ago

cam cab sav lvr

9.0

paired this with a pot roast, a christmas movie, a new vacuum cleaner, and a fluffy robe - it was lovely. it’s a little on the sweeter side for a pinot but still has the dry punch on the back end. label could have some more interest but overall it’s a solid wine, would probably buy again — 2 months ago

with Erin-Bearin

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby color with some purple highlights and a slightly garnet rim. Aromas of kirsch, dark chocolate and a slight hint of menthol. The palate notes dark plums, chocolate cake, beef jerky, tobacco and orange zest. A touch of baking spices on the long and lingering earthy finish. Medium-plus body, chewy tannins and firm texture. Great complexity. Appreciate you sharing, John P. — 3 months ago

Karilyn Lesassier-Van Oosten

9.0

Balanced smooth and easy in the palette — 5 months ago

Paul J

9.5

1hr+ decant. Dark red color with subtle purple rims. Super complex nose and wine, so not even going to try and describe. Has a little bit of everything all summed up by awesome! Distinct on its own. — 7 months ago

with Brooke