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. — 5 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Presented double-blind. The wine appears a straw color; medium viscosity with no signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of orchard fruit: apples, lemon curd, nuts and lees. Lavishly oaked. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and lovely. I called Chardonnay from the United States, California, Napa Valley 2019. So close! Drink now through 2029. — a month ago

Doug Cranmer

9.3

A Barolo in all but name (“No Name”). A beautiful expression of Nebbiolo. — 18 days ago

with Mary

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened just prior to service and poured into a decanter. This is the second time I have had the opportunity to enjoy the 1967 Riserva although, the previous bottle was a more recent library release from the Borgogno cellars. This was a period release and yet, the experience was similar.

The 1967 Riserva pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core moving towards a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and some slight signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous but showing much more power than the ‘67 Abbazia SS Annunziata we drank on the same evening. Again, there is a lovely mix of ripe and desiccated red and dark fruits with forest floor, porcini, dried roses, tar, some tobacco, dried herbs, dusty earth and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is dry; medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long a savory. My previous notes suggested to drink now and while I still hold fast to that statement, twice in the span of 18mos with two separate bottlings encourages me to be a bit more bullish and suggest this has many years, perhaps decades left in the tank. — 7 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

This needed an hour of air to reveal its polished, silky texture showing cherry, berry, plum fruit, savory herbs, rose petal & tar — 18 days ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.2

Not the best vintage of this wine and not the best bottle we have had. There is still an impressive wine hiding in here but i think I would just forget about this for 10+ years. Needed a big decant and food (truffel and mushroom risotto) to get going. — 25 days ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of 90 minutes. The 2017 San Valentino pours a slightly hazy, ruby color with medium+ viscosity and light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart, red fruit: sour Montmorency cherry, wood varnish, horse blanket, black licorice, old wood, and stony earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy. One of the more wild vintages of San Valentino I’ve ever had and this bottle wasn’t quite as good as the one I had a couple years back. Drink now and enjoy what nature gave to Paolo and Giampiero. — 18 days ago

Conrad Green

9.2

Tangy and light. Marmalade in color. Pure and light. A little under. — 8 days ago

with Paul

PM

9.3

2021 is too young but I’m drinking it, and it’s delicious. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A wonderfully balanced Cabinet blend from Bolgheri. Definitely Cabernet notes but so balanced that nothing stands out. Sassicaia is definitely Bordeaux First or Second Growth standard. Understated but irresistible nonetheless. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Cabernet Franc. Probably one of the best non Bordeaux Cabernet blends. — a month ago