Samantha LeeAnn Sanders

10

Not too dry, and has a smooth finish. Great berry flavor. — 23 days ago

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. — 2 days ago

Karilyn Lesassier-Van Oosten

9.0

Balanced smooth and easy in the palette — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Poured into a decanted about an hour prior to service and presented double-blind. The 2019 “Lily’s Garden” pours a deep garnet with a bit of purple and a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose the wine is developing with black bramble fruit, purple flowers, a touch of the animal and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The alcohol is elevated; calling it high. The finish is medium+. I called Syrah from France, from the Northern Rhône, Croze-Hermitage from a recent warmer vintage like 2019. Dangit…I got the variety right but I should have considered Australia with the elevated alcohol. This is a fairly classic Aussie Shiraz that certainly gives off a French vibe but the fruit and alcohol give it away. Drink now through 2034. — 2 months ago

Ming L

9.3

When last tasted about 3 years ago, the palate left much to be desired. This is finally coming together.
The nose shows beautifully with blackberries, prune, black tea leaf, cured meat, black pepper, and cocoa powder. Medium to full, the palate is lush, silky, and powerful. Fresh round acidity and fine grained tannins. Long candied herbal finish.
This will continued to evolve and provide drinking pleasure for the next 10-15 years.
— 3 months ago

Holly Zahn

9.7

Very smooth and no hangover! — 4 months ago

Joe L.

9.3

Sexy beast - cab sauv bright red fruit sour cherry high acid, supple tannins, lingering finish — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby color with some purple highlights and a slightly garnet rim. Aromas of kirsch, dark chocolate and a slight hint of menthol. The palate notes dark plums, chocolate cake, beef jerky, tobacco and orange zest. A touch of baking spices on the long and lingering earthy finish. Medium-plus body, chewy tannins and firm texture. Great complexity. Appreciate you sharing, John P. — 2 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Expected inky purple-black color in glass. Opens up earnestly after uncorking and a few days in the wine fridge. Blackberry and plummy fruit on the nose, drinks the same with dialed-back acidity and soft tannins on the finish. While it’s not a full-on #napavalley fruit bomb, it’s wanting for complexity - too one-dimensional for my taste. — 3 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.3

The ‘05 Hayne Petite Syrah is still vibrant nearly 20 years on. Inky, dark chocolate in color with graphite, Kirsch, earth and a hint of evergreen on the nose. Smooth and mouth-filling, loaded with dark fruit, even a touch of cocoa. Super long finish on red fruit tanginess. Probably still has years left if you can get your hands on any. — 4 months ago