Ming L

9.3

100% Sangiovese. Mazzei bottled this as Vicoregio 36 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione since 2017.

This has the concentration, richness, and depth of a BdM, yet remains firmly in Chianti territory with sour cherry, dried herbs, and the slightly savory finish. The bright acidity is as good as it gets. Fantastic! — a day ago

Ming L

9.3

I’m surprised by how well this 2020 bottling showed.

Captivating aromas of sour cherry, plum, cedar, dried herbs and mushroom, and a touch of tobacco. The palate is quite concentrated and powerful yet composed and elegant. Fresh acidity and firm yet fine grained tannins. Should age beautifully. — 15 days ago

Ming L

9.2

The estate was sold to Antica Terra in 2023, so this is the last vintage the estate produced.

Raspberry, black cherry, steeped black tea, light baking spices, and forest floor with subtle medicinal streak. Good tension on the palate with acid driven structure. Firm but fine grained tannins lead to a long finish. — 17 days ago

Ming L

9.2

It’s so good for an entry level Cab though it’s not inexpensive. It seems the winery no longer offers the KB bottling through retail.
This particular bottle shows nice development with a more rounded supple palate - less power and richness. Thoroughly enjoyable. — 3 days ago

Ming L

9.3

I think this is much better than their regular Napa Valley bottling and worth the $20 premium.

The nose showcases the classic Napa fruits from a great vintage with blackberry, plum, cassis, cedar, vanilla, and touches of fresh herbs and menthol. The palate is supple yet lively, more about balance and proportion than power and depth. Quite elegant. Silky tannins. — 10 days ago

Ming L

9.0

The generous nose shows ripe dark berry fruits scented with lavender, olive, black pepper, and dark chocolate. Medium to full body. Juicy palate with smooth texture. Voluptuous but not flabby, with enough grip and lift on the finish. — 20 days ago

Ming L

9.1

This is a bit of bruised apple, nutty notes that I rarely detected from their single vineyard bottlings. But overall still quite fresh with good tensions and texture. — 4 days ago

Ming L

9.3

Another fantastic 2011 bottling. And as good as the 2011 Monte Rosso is , this appeals to me more at this stage.

The Monte Rosso is darker, earthier, and more mineral, whereas this has the lingering red fruit note that adds to the aromatic lift. Same green/herbal edge but more integrated. Silky texture with mellow tannins but still has good tension on the palate. — 10 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Really enjoy this. It feels like a great snapshot of what made 2015 such a good vintage. Lots of ripe black cherry and plum, with cedar, tobacco and a little earth underneath. The fruit is generous without feeling too plush, and there’s enough acidity and fine tannin to keep everything in balance.

Under $40 from Costco. A steal! — 15 days ago

Ming L

9.3

The bottle is heavy!

Distinctively Napa with Bordeaux sensibility. Dark cherry, cassis, blackcurrant, cedar, and a touch of tobacco unfold on the nose. The palate is beautifully structured palate with polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and concentrated dark fruit. Composed and well balanced with long candied finish.

The winery is the first customer of the Stagecoach vineyard and The Oracle used grapes from the vineyard exclusively until the 2015 vintage. — 20 days ago