Wow, what a stunner. Its explosive bouquet wafts from the glass showing layers of sweet ripe red fruit, crème de cassis, mocha and black truffles, with well judged oak staying in the background. It expands on the palate showing superb depth, vibrancy, ripe tannins and an amazing lush and luxurious texture with a finish that just goes on and on. Hedonistic and opulent, this 40th anniversary vintage is absolutely singing at age 20, and it hides its record high 14.2% alcohol with ease. First growth California? ;)
Wow, what a stunner. Its explosive bouquet wafts from the glass showing layers of sweet ripe red fruit, crème de cassis, mocha and black truffles, with well judged oak staying in the background. It expands on the palate showing superb depth, vibrancy, ripe tannins and an amazing lush and luxurious texture with a finish that just goes on and on. Hedonistic and opulent, this 40th anniversary vintage is absolutely singing at age 20, and it hides its record high 14.2% alcohol with ease. First growth California? ;)
Dec 10th, 2021
Full, bright ruby-red. Initially reserved, youthful nose opened slowly to reveal aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, graphite, tobacco and spices. Wonderfully ripe, almost liqueur-like on entry, then plush and thick but vibrant in the middle, with highly concentrated black fruit, bitter chocolate, tobacco and mineral flavors framed by perfectly integrated acidity. A wonderfully complete, sweet, youthful wine with the added creaminess--but no loss of energy--from a strong dollop of Merlot. This was the 40th anniversary bottling for this California classic, and its listed alcohol of 14.2% was the highest to date. Finishes with big, ripe tannins and outstanding persistence. In the context of Monte Bello, this wine is remarkably ripe, sweet and rich, and it should still go on in a cool cellar for at least another couple decades. (the 40th anniversary bottling for this wine) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, June 2020)
Full, bright ruby-red. Initially reserved, youthful nose opened slowly to reveal aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, graphite, tobacco and spices. Wonderfully ripe, almost liqueur-like on entry, then plush and thick but vibrant in the middle, with highly concentrated black fruit, bitter chocolate, tobacco and mineral flavors framed by perfectly integrated acidity. A wonderfully complete, sweet, youthful wine with the added creaminess--but no loss of energy--from a strong dollop of Merlot. This was the 40th anniversary bottling for this California classic, and its listed alcohol of 14.2% was the highest to date. Finishes with big, ripe tannins and outstanding persistence. In the context of Monte Bello, this wine is remarkably ripe, sweet and rich, and it should still go on in a cool cellar for at least another couple decades. (the 40th anniversary bottling for this wine) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, June 2020)
Jun 25th, 2020
Supremely elegant with plenty of life left, but likely peaking (if it hasn’t already) - loamy soils, dried tobacco, interesting and subtle spice and chocolate on the palate.
Supremely elegant with plenty of life left, but likely peaking (if it hasn’t already) - loamy soils, dried tobacco, interesting and subtle spice and chocolate on the palate.
Nov 3rd, 2024Wonderful wine ! Started off w strong tobacco and spice , and after a couple hours of decanting it turned smooth w caramel . Long and dry finish. 50%+ cab and 30%+ merlot made it a strong combination.
Wonderful wine ! Started off w strong tobacco and spice , and after a couple hours of decanting it turned smooth w caramel . Long and dry finish. 50%+ cab and 30%+ merlot made it a strong combination.
Jan 2nd, 2021
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
