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. — 20 days ago

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. — 7 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

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

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

Jody Wycech

9.4

My new favorite dessert wine. Not too sweet, drinks more like an oaky Chardonnay. Really loved this wine. — 8 days ago

with Ethan, Peter and 1 other

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2021 | Lovely — 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