Ron Siegel

9.4

This was still youthful showing black currant, plum, cassis, cedar, damp earth, menthol, sweet spice & tobacco. — 18 days ago

Christine Peterman

9.3

Like the BBQ chilled red in the Hamptons — 2 months ago

Mike Lev

9.5

Endless black fruit, endless aroma. Cedar, wax, truffle, pomegranate, earth. Simply amazing, graceful & meandering. Happy new year. — a month ago

Alberto Cdm

9.5

Buonissimo — 2 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

This btl was in perfect condition, drinking younger than its age showing red fruit, cassis, earth, leather, sweet spice & tobacco — a month 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. — 25 days ago

Rachel Nesti

9.0

sweet but not annoyingly so. crisp and refreshing and good for dessert! — a month ago

Mark S.

9.0

After one hour, vanilla, black currant.blue and black berries. Red flower. Juicy. Concentration. Sweet with elegancy Caymus 21 @, 240118 — 25 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Going strong showing black fruits, cassis, cedar, leather, sweet spice & tobacco — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and loaded with currants, pencil lead, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super grippy; slightly bitter and earthy. A lovely, classic expression of Bordeaux and drinking well in its prime. Drink now through 2046. — 2 months ago