Jay Kline

9.4

My previous bottle of the 2014 Montecillo was enjoyed back in January of 2021. That bottle, as my previous notes indicated, exhibited quite a bit of volatile acidity. This bottle did not seem to have much VA at all. In fact, this showed well right from the moment the cork was pulled.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a game of 10 point pitch. The 2014 Montecillo pours a garnet/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous, lifted notes of cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, Anaheim peppers, Herbs de Provence, eucalyptus and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long a with spices and minerals. Really tasty and distinctive stuff. I’m in no rush to openly third and final bottle. Drink now with patience, through 2039. — 16 days 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. — 8 months ago

Tom Kohli

9.1

Always great especially on Thanksgiving Eve! — 2 years ago

with Anna and Jon

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Bright cherry and blueberry up front. Long smooth finish with a little spice — 19 hours ago

Nicole Killin

9.0

Nice for the price! — 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! — a year ago

Joe Roth

9.3

Beautiful balance — 4 years ago

with Jeff and Michael

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

The sleeper vintage, one at this time I bet to be even more showy than the illustrious 2000. It’s simply just ready to go after a short decant wafting from the glass with layers of cassis, black truffle, violets and licorice. This is a wine of texture and elegance, as Margaux should be—It’s liquid cashmere in the mouth with melting tannins and a black truffle and mineral inflicted finale that keeps on going. Superb showing tonight, with still a long life ahead. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2021 vintage. Medium body. Not the biggest Sonoma Cab fan but this was shredding at $22 a btl on 2 cases.
04. 02.25. — 7 months ago

Mark Wadley

9.4

Fruity bright. Made in a daiquiri like cocktail. — a year ago

with Karina