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. — 3 months ago

Aaron Tan

8.9

Thought this blind was an aged red burg, so colour me surprised when it was revealed to be a young NZ pinot. Clearly a little more developed than it should be (colour and aromas), but credit where credit’s due, this was quite elegant. Even after the reveal I could not detect that marmalade finish I find so often in NZ pinot’s. This was all red cherries and ripe strawberries, with savoury spices and earthy notes. Perhaps the quality of the oak, which left much to be desired, and rich velvety texture were the only indications of it’s origin. Finished a touch short. There were wines with more intrigue on the table so I didn’t drink much of it, but it definitely wasn’t a bad drop. One to revisit. — 3 years ago

Aylin Ulku

9.3

Delicious, absolutely delicious. Balanced, beautiful finish. Paired with smoked short ribs and polenta. — 4 years ago

Larry Schnelle

9.3

Excellent with Dr . Pepper short ribs — 4 months ago

Seth Masterson

8.9

Mineral, oak and a bit of bret on the nose. Pretty good acid balance with the fruit. Not overly oaked and not trying to be a butter bomb. Short clean finish. Not deeply complex. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note from November 2021. Fresh red fruits of cherry, strawberry and raspberry with red rose aromatics together with loam and some stalkiness. A new World version of a superb Vosne Romanee Bourgogne or even 1er Cru. This wine won Most Outstanding Red Wine at the 2021 Royal Adelaide Wine Show. Of all the capital city wine Shows Royal Adelaide is generally regarded as the most prestigious. Just a gorgeous Tasmanian Pinot Noir. Had the last bottle 99 weeks later on 1st April 2025. This tasting was a bit underwhelming. Not nearly as good as the 2017 Home Hill Estate 2017 the night before. I have 3 bottles of the 2021 left. Short to midterm drinking. — 2 years ago

Ed Chin

9.1

Love the upfront attack of lemon lime. Just a bit short on the finish. — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.4

If you’ve been following me on CT or Delectable for while, you’ve probably read some of my tasting notes on the Pinot Noirs from McHenry Vineyard. Few are aware that this special vineyard, way up on Bonny Doon Road, even exists. Fewer probably know that the McHenry family have been quietly producing wine from this vineyard for over 40 years. It has never been easy. Not only are the vines own-rooted, they have also had to deal with some devastating fires over the years. And yet, despite the challenges, the McHenry’s remain committed to growing Pinot Noir and making truly special wine.

As I have mentioned in the past the winery was destroyed by the CZU Lightening Complex Fire in August of 2020. The vines survived but no wine from the vineyard was made that year (obviously). While the winery gets rebuilt, the fruit from the McHenry Vineyard has been made with care by their neighbor, Ryan Beauregard. The McHenry’s are still making a lot of the decisions but they are working around the Beauregard’s schedule. 2021 represents the first year of this collaboration and the results are nothing short of incredible.

Popped and poured; consumed over the course of a week with the help of a “Repour” stopper. A little austere on Day 1 but it was obvious the quality was super high and unmistakably McHenry. As hilarious as this may read, this was best on Day 7. The 2021 Swan Clone pours very pretty ruby with medium viscosity and no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with beguiling aromas of the tiniest forest strawberries, dark cherries, anise, some tomato leaf, some beets, a touch of clove, a mix of red and purple flowers, limestone minerals and some beautiful, soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish lasts forever and it’s got a lovely savory thing going on. This is a wow wine with a long, bright future ahead. You can drink now with patience but this will drink best after 2026 and probably be stunning through 2040. How will I keep my hands off my remaining bottles? Only 100 cases were produced.
— a year ago

Seth Masterson

8.9

Nose: Leather, black licorice turning to green pepper notes.
A bit hot, it relaxes a bit with a decant. Short finish, the taste doesn't offer the depth and complexity that is suggested through the nose.
60/40 merlot/cab franc — 3 years ago

Ed Chin

9.2

PnP from 375. 9 yrs old and still so youthful. The finish is kind of short though the mid gives you a smack in the face. Well balanced and just a fun Pinot. I really need to drink more of these. What the hell am I waiting for!?! — 4 years ago