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. — 8 days ago
Been a standard in the often underrated white blend space for years. Still remains the quality that I’d expect from them which over delivers for the price. Melon and honey. Lovely wine. — 8 days ago
Enjoyed on 1/25/25. Vintage 2023. $25. Always a fan of wines from Paso Robles. This doesn’t disappoint. A solid Cab. Yes, a little young but it will get even better. — a day ago
Presented double-blind. The wine pours a slightly translucent garnet with an orange rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of dried and ripe, red and black fruits: brambles, Bing cherry, old wood and old leather bound books, baking chocolate, grated nutmeg, organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ (resolved) tannins and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Called Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from France, Bordeaux, Left Bank, Medoc, 1990. LOL…that’s pretty close! For those wondering, the bottle was opened and decanted for sediment several hours prior. For my palate, Duhart-Milon needs decades to become interesting. Fully mature now though, this has at least a decade of enjoyable life left. — a month ago
Always a favorite — 22 days ago
Pale lemon in color.
Medium in body with medium plus acidity.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing limes, lemons, green apples, light wood, earth, herbs and minerals.
Nice finish with limes and almonds.
This is a very young Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley in France.
I had a few vintages of this wine and it is definitely better with age. Needs 5 years in the bottle to mature properly, but starting to drink nicely now.
This 9 year old Sauvignon Blanc drinks very fresh and young. Elegant and easy drinking.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after 45 minutes of airtime.
Good by itself or with food.
13% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$250. — 22 days ago
Jane Nuss
Medium ruby with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, strawberry, blackberry, vanilla, spices, licorice, and mint. Juicy palate with medium body, medium-plus acidity, and chalky tannins that add texture. Medium-plus finish. Maybe a touch overpriced, but still a well-rounded and satisfying Napa Valley Merlot. — 23 days ago