Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

1992 vintage. Very, very close to Japanese auction market quality with fill, cork, capsule and label nearly immaculate. Decanted and tasted immediately and over the course of 3 hours. Expected amount of sed. What a ride! Having tasted this back in the day when first released, recalled an unusual (for this property) amount of richness in the frontal palate. Wasn't there initially but rolled in for a cameo approx 45 mins after decant. Then...vanished at the 1 hour open mark. First whiff of the nose was fresh, clay kitty litter. This morphed into graphite after 15-20 mins. Body was surprisingly light early on, then fattened up after 30-40 mins to medium status. Impressions were of a leaner effort, then things got positively jammy with unexpected fruit hither and yon. This remained for approx 1.25 hours, then the entire performance, body included, thinned out with their old-school, estate-expected, aged leather punch combined with dark-skinned fruit, mountain grip and a little touch of grey sea salt. No food involved during the experience. The 1991 Montelena Estate Cab is nearest and dearest but this following vintage was an absolute, palate-bending acid(ity) trip. Looking forward to the next trip...er...show. 11.25.23. — 12 days ago

Shay A

9.4

One of the better older Bordeaux I’ve had in quite some time. Absolutely at peak with so many layers. It outshined an ‘03 Grand Puy Lacoste (which showed thin), ‘03 Montelena (sadly corked), and an ‘03 BV Georges de LaTour (rich/sweet).

Absolutely on fire from pop, this 20yr old left bank Bordeaux showed none of the overripe/too hot characteristics of the vintage. Deep purple/black in the glass with no bricking. Full-bodied. Mocha, truffle, roasted blackberries and raspberries, graphite on the nose. Ripe (but not overly so) dark berries, plum, cassis with vanilla pipe tobacco and even some iron. Still a good bit of tannin on the finish. This shows as a “modern” style due to the warmth, but balanced. Wish I had more. Pop the corks and enjoy! — 8 months ago

Paul T- Huntington Beach

9.5

Not your typical fruit bomb 💣 2012 from Napa. Still classy 👍🏼 — a month ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Another unusual varietal from #chateaumontelena - Kaffir lime, green apple nose. Orchard fruit, pear on palate, lovely luscious mouthfeel, medium plus acidity, slightly sweet finish. Excellent #pottervalley #riesling to pair with Sichuan chicken on a hot Texas summer evening. — 4 months ago

Pooneet K

9.0

Probably better a couple years ago but still a nice wine. For some reason I was taken by this while visiting the vineyard a decade or so ago and bought some. Great restrained fruit, quite balanced, just a hint of green pepper, soft tannins. — 9 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.1

A less well-known varietal from the famous producer in #napa . 100% #sauvignonnlanc echoes a well-balanced #bordeauxblanc but with a notable Napa sun-kissed vitality. Subtle tropical fruit + apricot, citrus aromas - sumptuous palate texture, white/golden fruit balanced by satisfying acidity. Excellent pairing for a lightly-spiced shrimp coconut curry rice bowl though not great QPR. — 9 months ago

Suren Divanyan

9.2

Always amazing with steak. — 2 months ago

Jennifer Smith

9.0

Smooth French oak nose, even though no honey it’s very smooth and delicious — 3 months ago

Shay A

9.2

One of the bottles I provided for a co-hosting with Mark at the City Club wine group.

Always a treat to open a birth year wine. I had this last year and this bottle seemed to have more stuffing. It was less muddled/clay driven and more distinctly black fruit and spice heavy. Next to a ‘79 Montelena, it wasn’t as full-bodied, but it certainly had more tannin. The tannic finish was quite pronounced and bolstered throughout the lunch. Mid-palate was herbal and black currant with faint tart red fruit and tobacco. Fun to drink. — 8 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.0

Better with air. — 9 months ago