Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at dinner. The wine pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core and a slightly orange rim with considerable variation; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated fruit: black currants, blackberries, plum, pipe tobacco, capsicum, pencil shavings, a touch leather, organic earth and a mix of dried herbs and some fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Really tasty stuff.

Initial conclusions: this is an old wine, likely 30-40 years old. That being said, it’s still very distinguishable as it’s showing varietal characteristics. This could be Cabernet Sauvignon (or a blend thereof), Cabernet Franc (or a blend thereof), or Merlot (or a blend thereof). I can see this being Napa because the fruit is still showing some generosity. But there’s a lot of non-fruits there too. Regardless, this was giving Left Bank vibes so I could also see this being Bordeaux from a great vintage like 1982. And that’s my call, Cabernet Sauvignon-blend from France, Bordeaux, Saint-Estèphe, from a classified growth like Calon-Ségur. Shucks. But I’m not mad about my choice! Old Opus One’s are tricky to differentiate. Drinking very well right now but this will live well past 2035. — 8 days ago

Mark Mannebach

9.2

BlackBerry, currant, tobacco and pencil notes. Nice finish — 17 days ago

Joe Flo

9.8

This wine is still rocking. Last 2012 btl unfortunately. — 17 days ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Insignia Masterclass

1998 Insignia
2001 Insignia
2004 Insignia
2008 Insignia
2013 Insignia
2023 Insignia

With:
David Pearson, President
Ryan Knoth, winemaker

@Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa — 4 days ago

with Brenda

Paul K

9.6

Love this! — a month ago

Rick Phillips

9.6

In 10 years, this will be a 98-100 pt wine. — a month ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.4

Not as good as expected. A little tired. Nice tho. Day 3, so good! Time and air made this insane. Love, — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened about 90min prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2001 Monte Bello pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with lovely notes of black currants, blackberries, plum, tobacco, purple flowers, an intoxicating mix of exotic Eastern spices, some cocoa, inorganic earth and minerals. On the palate? The wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long and impeccably balanced. To my palate, this bottle has reached the age when Monte Bello starts to really become interesting. What a delight! Drink now with some air, through 2051. — 24 days ago

Kelley Raymond

9.5

Always a favorite — 8 days ago

Dave Hill

9.5

Anniversary wine — 9 days ago

Yoly Sardinas

9.0

Great wine . At Le 1925 for diner ..
Needs to open up. — 8 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2016 vintage. A decade has allowed this to blossom a bit. Revealing super-subtle complexities now that frequently get lost in appraisals as they posit as fleeting impressions versus unimpeachable, primary truths. Medium body. 8.12.26. — a month ago

WC Fields

9.5

A stunner. — a month ago

Jan A

9.6

A lovely glass of wine that is already surprisingly easy drinking — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Cabernet Franc (29%) and Merlot (13%). Dark ruby color. Aromas of red and black fruit, anise,purple flowers and leather. Flavors of black cherry/plum/berry fruit, black licorice, cocoa powder and sweet baking spices. Lovely mineral and minty tones on the long and lingering finish. Silky tannins and a velvety texture. Loaded with finesse and wonderful freshness. Enjoyed with Petey and Kase (Thanks Guys) on the beach in Cape May, NJ. — 6 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.6

Blend 51% Cab Sauv, 22% Merlot, 14% Cab Franc, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, very deep Ruby red color, slight brown edges. Opened in 2026. Interesting wine, at first open, encountered aromas of leather, barnyard & earthy funk, after 30 minutes, started to note aromas of dried black fruits, spice & cigar box, slight forest floor, continued to get better after 60 min. Palate showed black cherry, blackberry, choc flavors with tobacco, cedar & spice. Firm drying tannins, persistent acidity, long finish ending with fruit, cedar, spice, & earthy character. Nice! — 3 days ago

Ed Chin

9.3

Damn this is drinking so well right now. Silky soft tannins and really no noticeable heat. The fruit is abundant yet rides a fine line of not being over the top. Not sure of its aging capacity due to how soft almost undetectable structure. Light body for a Napa blend with a brightness that makes me 😁. This could easily be a point or 2 higher. — 14 days ago

KA

9.2

The Eighty Six NYC — 7 days ago

Joe Flo

9.7

Delicious 🍷!!!! — a month ago

Michelle Richards

9.0

Always a good pick!!! — 18 days ago