Jay Kline

9.7

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. — 15 days ago

Rich Bluth

9.2

drinking perfectly now. enjoy! — a month ago

Virginia De Diaz

9.5

Soft, dry, sweet notes, Smokey and nice for grilled meet. Nothing better for a rainy Firenze afternoon — a month ago

Danny O'Brien

9.5

Really beautiful Brielle that shows so much complexity and character, very perfumy nose that developed and opened up over time and a great balance of fruit, floral/cedar notes and tannin on the palate. Tannins were very delicate but present and structured, really beautiful wine — 17 days ago

Jennifer G

9.1

2013 vintage. Needed an hour and a half to open. Light, juicy, unripe dark red fruits, black pepper, excellent with spicy homemade pizzas. — a month ago

Lyle

9.2

Light, jammy front with a smooth, lightly earthy finish. — a month ago

Ronald LaMascus

9.0

Very good Rosso di Montalcino! Especially with hard cheese and Italian bread! Would also be great with pasta, grilled meats, etc al. Just okay as a sipping wine but comes alive with food!Cherries, brambley fruits, low tannins, good qpr especially as compared to Brunello! — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2020 vintage. 01.09.25. — 25 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

This has all the traits that make Etna Reds so attractive. Medium bodied , red fruited with pronounced minerality. Vines planted on the pure Ellittico lava flow terroir. Predominantly Nerello Mascalese. As many tasters previously have said of Etna Rosso, a hypothetical blend of Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. I will leave my last bottle for a couple of years. — 16 days ago

Katie Dooley

9.0

Lots of minerality, smells of petrol. Interesting yeasty undertones. Great for sipping, be cautious pairing with foods — 19 days ago