Fantastic wine. On the nose an intense mixture of floral, stone fruit, raspberries, lemon oil, some flint - so much power. Concentration of a grand cru white burgundy. I would say hold for some time to let this develop further. Amazing wine in the making. Precise, powerful. — 7 months ago
Curiosity finally got the best of me as it was a buddy’s birthday and he wanted to try this 2007. I think this received a three digit score, so whether points matter to you or not, it’s fun to try and get a data point.
Tried a glass right at pop, then drank from the decanter over the next 4-5hrs.
This was quite the rollercoaster. It was big and bruising the first hour, then blossomed in to an extremely smooth and balanced Bordeaux style blend. Dark red and black berry fruits, violets, mocha, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco all dominate the rich mid-palate. It seemed to somewhat shut down after 3+hrs, so either pop and enjoy or hold another three years for this drinking window. — a month ago
Third time (!) I have this wine and this exact vintage. Very disinct character with tertiary notes jumping out of the glass. Dill, cranberry, coffee, leather and some fresh herbs. They hold this back at the winery for 12 years before releasing it to the market. — 3 months ago
Don’t need to hold any longer! Drinking great! — 7 months ago
Four hour decant. Lush, rich with blackberries, black olives, cassis well balanced wine. It felt it had more to give than what I could get from it. Longer decant? Hold? Unsure. The dry tannin towards the end was a bit jarring — a month ago
Deep scarlet tawny color. Almost opaque. Beguiling nose with notes of sweet fruit including raspberry and strawberry, some stone, some earth. Rich and luscious in the mouth. My guesses were in burgundy. This wine continues to hold at peak. Love this wine. — 2 months ago
The 2012 Monte Bello has had time to open and develop and it’s now perfect for drinking. It can still hold good for another 10 or more years, but it’s reached it’s prime. Plenty of aroma and flavor, with plum and fig dominating, flavors from the cask (mostly wood and subtle smoke) and some black fruit. A delicious wine, very expensive but still worth the price. — 7 months ago
vinokeeno
1989 vintage. Still broad-shouldered and powerful. No shrinking violet here. Don’t believe it’s improving but clearly in the sweet spot currently. Can easily hold this excellence for another decade. No rush to crush. — a month ago