Jay Kline

9.4

My previous bottle of the 2014 Montecillo was enjoyed back in January of 2021. That bottle, as my previous notes indicated, exhibited quite a bit of volatile acidity. This bottle did not seem to have much VA at all. In fact, this showed well right from the moment the cork was pulled.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a game of 10 point pitch. The 2014 Montecillo pours a garnet/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous, lifted notes of cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, Anaheim peppers, Herbs de Provence, eucalyptus and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long a with spices and minerals. Really tasty and distinctive stuff. I’m in no rush to openly third and final bottle. Drink now with patience, through 2039. — 13 days ago

Robert Swart

8.9

Notes of apples and brioche. — 10 months ago

Tom Kohli

9.1

Always great especially on Thanksgiving Eve! — 2 years ago

with Anna and Jon

Marc Melser

9.0

We had the 2018 Vintage on 9/2-3/25. A nice, easy drinking Pinot Noir. Tastes of red cherry, plum and blueberry. Smooth texture, nice mouthfeel. — 2 months ago

Shay A

9.2

While not on the same level as the 2010 Left Bank I opened a few months ago, the profile of this 2011 Right Bank was squarely on the bridge between Sonoma and right bank Bordeaux.

About 60 merlot/ 40 CabFranc. 13.9ABV

Pours a slightly fading red-black. The entire time this was open, the aromatics sported a distinct funk that I’m struggling to describe…whatever comes before brett, that’s what this was. A mix of earth/forest, mineral, fig and a small hint of leather (I’ve come across a similar profile in older warm vintage right bank Bordeaux…but this is cooler vintage Sonoma). The palate is structured but in a nicely balanced phase…red and black fruits, more fig, and espresso at the finish.

Followed over the course of 4hrs from bottle, and while the last glass seemed to be a bit more integrated, I think these are in “drink now” phase. — 8 months ago

Joe Roth

9.3

Beautiful balance — 4 years ago

with Jeff and Michael

Nicole Killin

9.0

Nice for the price! — 3 months ago

Ashish Pant

9.1

No one can guess this is from Virginia! Go for it, if you can get it… — 4 months ago

Mark Wadley

9.4

Fruity bright. Made in a daiquiri like cocktail. — a year ago

with Karina

Reg McGhee

9.1

Very nice actually light CS. “Right Bank” style with only only Merlot Dandrades Cab Franc. — 4 years ago