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. — a day ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.8

Nearly perfect wine. Last Merry Edwards vintage. And a magnum. — a month ago

Rich Bluth

9.2

drinking perfectly now. enjoy! — 25 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Presented double-blind. The wine pours a light straw color with medium viscosity and no signs of particles or gas. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe notes of apple, pear, underripe pineapple, lemon curd, nuts and minerals. I felt like there was some deft use of oak. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+, bordering on high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and chocked full of minerals. My immediate impression was Bourgogne Blanc and I was having a hard time getting away from it. So I called Chardonnay, from France, Burgundy, Chassagne-Montrachet with 3-5 years of age. Gosh dammit! Margaret River strikes again!!! Blind, I always seem to call these Chablis or some other high quality white Burg. And I adore the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnays. They always impress me. Drink now through 2036. — an hour ago

David White

9.1

2023 - Now owned by LMH the style has somewhat reverted to the herbaceous style of the 90s that made it famous, so pleasant surprise- citrus, melon, lime, and grasses- like it
One of the earlier ratings is 10 and several 7.2, so overall rating is skewed to lower side
Delectable needs to eliminate these outliers to make average ratings meaningful — 20 days ago

K Brooks

9.1

Delicious with Pat’s filet mignon — a month 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. — 22 days ago

PM

9.3

2021 is too young but I’m drinking it, and it’s delicious. — 4 days ago

Mark S.

9.2

Deep cherry red. Black currant. Vanilla. Gentle aroma. Silky tannin. Superb balance among sweetness, spiciness and acidity. Full of elegance. Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 17 @13750, Yang, 241222 — a month ago

Tracy Byrnes

9.6

A stunner. This west ridge is worth the wait in the cellar! — a month ago