Jay Kline

9.5

In honor of the Beta Wine, Spring allocation day (the 2021 Lupina and Maus), I decided to check into the 2021 “Montecillo” which was released last Fall. Based off previous experience, I poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and then enjoyed over then next five hours; and this just continued to slowly reveal more layers as the minutes rolled by. The 2021 pours a deep, slightly hazy ruby color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, mostly black fruit: currants (for dayzzzzz!), blackberries, Montmorency cherry, tobacco, pencil shavings, a touch of Poblano pepper, a kiss of VA, and abundant, racy minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is extremely long and grippy. Dark to the core, this wine. And yet, there is a depth to the soul that makes it so accessible. Like listening to Portishead, Live at the Roseland NYC. Profound. If Lupina, Maus, Paratus and Hamilton draw any similarities, this will be a really fun vintage of Ketan’s wines to follow for decades to come. Drink now with patience and through 2051. — 5 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2021 | Lovely — 2 months ago

Ming L

9.2

Fragrant nose of passion fruit, underripe star fruits, apricot, honey, and hint of white floral. Good match between sweetness and refreshing acidity. Light ginger spice adds to the lingering finish.
Lovely! — 3 months ago

Eric Peterson

9.0

This pairs well with green enchiladas — 5 days ago

Jody Wycech

9.4

My new favorite dessert wine. Not too sweet, drinks more like an oaky Chardonnay. Really loved this wine. — 14 days ago

with Ethan, Peter and 1 other

Rachel Nesti

9.0

sweet but not annoyingly so. crisp and refreshing and good for dessert! — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

1961 vintage. Great nuttiness and caramel notes. Lacking the back end oomph of vintage port. Still, pretty quaffable. — 4 months ago

Brian Hearty

9.0

I didn’t note the vintage when we were enjoying this with our desserts. Lighter body with nice stone fruit flavors. — 14 days ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on January 25, 2025 at Home with Tom, Kathy, Mark and Lucille]

Purchased during September 2022 visit to the winery. “Billet Doux” means “Love Note” in French. 58% Semillon; 36% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% Muscat. Late harvest dessert wine in style of Sauternes. Mango, apricot, mandarin orange and peach fruit, with honey and ginger. Sweet and rich with nice balance. — a month 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 — 3 months ago

with Erin-Bearin