Jay Kline

9.5

In honor of the Beta Wine, Spring allocation day (the 2021 Lupina and Maus), I decided to check into the 2021 “Montecillo” which was released last Fall. Based off previous experience, I poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and then enjoyed over then next five hours; and this just continued to slowly reveal more layers as the minutes rolled by. The 2021 pours a deep, slightly hazy ruby color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, mostly black fruit: currants (for dayzzzzz!), blackberries, Montmorency cherry, tobacco, pencil shavings, a touch of Poblano pepper, a kiss of VA, and abundant, racy minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is extremely long and grippy. Dark to the core, this wine. And yet, there is a depth to the soul that makes it so accessible. Like listening to Portishead, Live at the Roseland NYC. Profound. If Lupina, Maus, Paratus and Hamilton draw any similarities, this will be a really fun vintage of Ketan’s wines to follow for decades to come. Drink now with patience and through 2051. — 10 days ago

Matt Forester

9.2

Very good and gets better with a few minutes open. — 3 months ago

Andrew Kinney

9.2

Aged well! — 3 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. — 14 days ago

Robert Swart

8.9

Notes of apples and brioche. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Lovely wine! Very harmonious IGT from Tuscan hill south of Florence. The blend composition; Sangiovese, Merlot and Cab Sauv., which provides an interesting and unique complexity. Dark cherry, raisins, dates on the nose, pleasant acidity and perfectly balanced. Soft tannins and medium dry. Long but not overly lingering finish. Quick fact this wine is from Sting (the singer) vinyard. Great job! — 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

Eric Peterson

9.0

This pairs well with green enchiladas — 10 days ago

"Odedi"

9.3

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark inky in color with a reddish rim.

Very pretty nose with black fruits, cedar, licorice, light vanilla, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, Indian spices, cola and light black tea.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with sweet raspberries, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, chocolates, toast, light vanilla, dark coffee, Indian spices, light cola licorice and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a delicious 9 year old Merlot from Columbia Valley. Rich and extracted. Spicy and entertaining.

Peaking now and will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 3 hours of airtime.

Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel. Smooth and elegant. Fruit forward and tangy. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in (85% new) French Oak barrels.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$75. — 2 months 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