Andrew Cullimore

9.6

Medium ruby , slighter narrower ruby / pink rim , a little less bright . Slightly deeper , darker fruits , blueberry, violets , with scorched earth , mineral and grafite . On the palate , more intensity and power perhaps , more noticeable though still velvety tannin , dark fruits , mineral , saline , fresh cigar. Lovely fresh acidity , balanced alcohol . Long saline , mineral tinged, slightly toasty finish . Needs time obviously , but will be one of the great wines from a great vintage in 20 years, just wait — 7 days ago

Shay A

9.4

Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.

Here we are six years after my last ‘88 Montelena and I’m looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the ‘88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but don’t miss this window if you have some! — 14 days ago

Kamall

9.3

10yrs from vintage date and Cathy’s favorite spot. I wouldn’t disagree. More aromatic now but fruit still deep with velvety tannins. Kronos up next! — a month ago

Brian Saunders

9.6

I guess I’m drinking this too soon! Need to better manage the cellar… tremendous fruit on the nose as I decanted that became more vegetal with time. Bright and leathery on the tongue, rich and luscious in the mouth. Strong tannins — easy to see how others are enjoying it at twice the age. — a month ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland

9.2

At Bottega Restaurant in Napa. Trying this 2020 Super Tuscan. Nose is aromatic with black cherry, tobacco, espresso, and pepper spice. Taste is robust with black cherry herbs, cedar and tannic. Needs more time. — a day ago

with Jill, Leslie and 1 other

Salome Arango

9.4

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with aromas of black cherry, cassis, and distant notes of vanilla. Is more of a velvety feel on the palate, with flavors of dark chocolate and espresso — 4 days ago

Jae Cho

9.2

First time tasting the ‘19 vintage, and the Produttori edged out one of my fave under the radar barolistas this early on. Maybe because it released sooner? Both red fruited with sour cherries and elegant tamed tannin/acid, but the Produttori had another gear of sweet incense and hard candy. The vintage does remind me of a more approachable’13 from a tannin perspective. — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.5

Shows a little bit of funky, faint Brett aromas, flavors are rich, dark-fruited, and more youthful than the ‘86 Mouton which we also opened, long, lingering finish, very fine!! — 8 days ago

with Jim

Kevin Dale

9.4

85% Cab Sauv and 15% Cab Franc from Italy. Drinks on the more mellow side compared to a big California Cab. — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.5

+2 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A wondrous dark garnet with bricking. On the nose: perfumed notes of stewed plum, currants, old leather, cigar box, smoked meat, truffles, and touch of mint. Taste: silky, exquisite wine with red cherry/plum, old leather, dusty chiseled granite, bitter chocolate, cedar, and a dry graphite/coffee long finish. YUM! Drinks beautifully and should hold for more years of awesomeness. — a month ago

with Brenda