Carlo Maiorano

9.7

Hard to imagine a more well rounded, full bodied red. A high alcohol content disguised by a beautiful bouquet of flavor that assaults the taste buds. An immediate favorite. — 5 years ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Excellent, excellent montelena. This wine was subject to a flood during Hurricane Sandy but has held up very well. Really delicious example of Napa cab made in an old school style. Can’t imagine a better pairing for a steak. — 6 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.2

Last of several bottles, 2005 vintage- still strong but perhaps some wear & tear. Still, an elegant (for Etna) wine, brick red in appearance, strong acidic backbone yet lithe in its medium body. Black fruits, no blueberries here, & the strong tannins are mostly integrated.I can imagine the Pinot comparisons, but feel this kind of Etna is even more unique. Has a slight petrol character, not unpleasant, reminds of a modern Alsatian Pinot noir. Nothing suave here either, but the in house aging & overall old school approach reminds too of old school Rioja like Lopez. Oh, & these sell for under 30$. Crazy. — 7 years ago

with Owen

Fraser McKinley

9.5

This was fantastic; lemon, brioche, finesse and some richness. I haven’t had one in years and can only imagine how good the 2008 is - 2009 — 8 years ago

Cathy Levy

9.3

Delicious now, but can’t imagine how much better it will be even later. — 9 years ago

Rick Wolfen

10

Everything you could imagine and a bit more!!! — 9 years ago

Delectable Wine

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10

The 1945 La Mission Haut-Brion from the château cellar is transcendental. It is blessed with the most beautiful bouquet you can imagine, effortless and natural, featuring woodland, red-berried fruits, a minerally quality and a faint touch of leafiness; given time to settle, it develops a lovely gamy note. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied and sublimely balanced, upholding that effortless grace with an elegant, bittersweet, dried orange peel finish. One of the most harmonious wines I have ever consumed. Perfect. Tasted at the La Mission Haut-Brion vertical in London in September 2009. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2020)
— 6 years ago

Greg Viola

8.9

Very drinkable plavac with lots of berries and raisins. Held up against a spicy red sauce, but imagine it could accompany something more delicate as well. Versatile and cheap...quite a combo! — 7 years ago

Deborah M

9.4

Drink this now. Just wow. Christmas Eve pull. Cinnamon and licorice. Well balanced and fully integrated. Nice legs on the glass. Great finish. Silky tannins. Can’t imagine this will get any better. Wish I had more. — 7 years ago

Amy Huson

9.3

Tobacco, eucalyptus, and vanilla on the nose with lovely savory fig and a metallic or wrought iron mineral quality in the mouth. The acidity is quite high (med ++) and the tannins are grippy. As it keeps opening it gets even more interesting. I imagine this will age for quite some time more! — 8 years ago

Mark S.

9.2

Sweat nose, making me imagine it has already been ready. But initially still feeling lots of tanning. More than one hour, very smooth and I am sure that it is quite higher level than 3rd one. Of course, 2010. 8 year's vintage. Excellent! @1750, Wineplus - , 180430-180615 — 8 years ago

Tim Hansen

10

1998.
As wonderful as you might imagine. — 9 years ago

Thomas Sorbo

9.4

2009 drinking perfectly and with the distinct Pisoni fruit. Hard to imagine a more enjoyable Pinot. — 9 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.7

Very well balanced. This reminds me of Sierra Nevada celebration mixed with a tropical/citrus hazy of the moment. I can only imagine having this 10 years ago and being shocked with flavor similar to pliny. What makes this great for me is the excellent malt backbone that isn’t sweet or boozy. — 6 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.5

Pure velvet. Has opened up with a smooth mid pallet flavor with red cherry and hints of a marvelous tannin. Time to drink. I can’t imagine getting any better. Outstanding 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 6 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.6

Disgorgement date April 2016. Like drinking stars... bright, light, ethereal... imagine grand cru burgundy with the tiniest pinprick bubbles gushing flavors of ripe pear and green apple... a true bargain if you can find it...absolute elegance and weightless brilliance. — 7 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.4

Wow. A great wine from Cris Cherry at Villa Creek, this 2008 syrah/mourvedre/grenache blend is drinking absolutely perfectly right now. Really sweet nose of candied blackberries coupled with some earthy undertones. The tannins ate totally resolved and leave a sweet (but not cloying) palate that has an impressive amount of fruit for a 10-year-old wine. Not sure how much longer this will last given the tannin profile...but I also can’t imagine it drinking any better than it is right now. — 8 years ago

with Vanessa

Josh Weinstein

9.4

Still 15-20 years left in this bad boy! Can’t imagine how this tasted out of the barrel. — 8 years ago

with Evan and Kristen

Brent S

9.2

Bold and powerful. I imagine this was a complete fruit bomb originally, but after 7 years, this has softened up and become quite enjoyable. — 9 years ago

Sunil Dhaliwal

9.5

Love. can't imagine a wine with a longer finish or more mouth feel. What a treat. With a one hour decant it didn't feel sharp or young in the slightest. — 9 years ago