In a wonderful spot. — 5 months ago
Deep Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, cedar and baking spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with toasty notes and cinnamon spice. Aged in French oak (about 50% new). Full-bodied, fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, toasty oak and an earthy character. Nice! — a month ago
Very nice with lasagna — 5 days ago
Great mix of a European and Napa style. Nice fruit and slight butter after. Very nice. — 13 days ago
What a superb wine, first and foremost. Just so beautiful and powerful. A deep, dark burgundy color in the glass. The nose is pure and alive with cherries and blackberries initially. Oak, as ever, along with a slight hint of vanilla and earth. Really pretty floral notes which accentuates the total package.
Terrific depth and balance here. Every now and again Napa reminds you of what it can really be. Very modern and elegant with so much personality. Everything here is restrained and refined. The fruit on the palate is dramatic and fresh. Vibrant red fruit with the customary woodsy elements. A touch of tobacco and well integrated smoke just for good measure. The finish is long and lusty and leaves you wanting more. Made for the long run for sure but so delicious now. A true gem of a wine. — a month ago
Lots of tropical fruit! What a great wine from our anniversary Russian river valley wine trip. — a month ago
Ripe black fruit. Expected more oak, tobacco, leather but it’s really a juicy fruited lovely fruit forward wine drinking very well right now. Soft silky mouthfeel. Tannins softened very nicely. Backbone still there, would guess has 3-5 yeqrs left. Nice long finish. Holding up very well and a joy to drink now. — 2 months ago
Port like raisiny taste, peppery, rich, moderate tannins. — a month ago
Raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, and mint on the nose. — 3 days ago
Blend of 65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah & 4% Alicante Bouschet. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruits, oak, spice and floral scents. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with pepper, cacao, spice and smoky oak. Well balanced, fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, smoke and spice. Will age. — 10 days ago
MBA Wine Event — a month ago
On the nose, there is blackberry and dark cherry... On the palate, beautiful baked blackberry tart... Maybe even some baking spices in there as well including a wee cinnamon... The mild spice of an oriental pipe tobacco lurking... Acidity is middle of the road... Blueberry makes a late appearance... The tannins here are very soft and contributing to a long length that seems to go the earthy, savory direction... — 10 days ago
Deep ruby in color; cassis, black plum, and black pepper on the nose; medium acidity; high tannins; tastes like blackberries, black cherries, and eucalyptus with a long finish. It's better after decanting for about 30 minutes. I like it, and Nellie likes it with food. — a month ago
Shay A
Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.
Here we are six years after my last ‘88 Montelena and I’m looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the ‘88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but don’t miss this window if you have some! — a month ago