Chris Zitzman

9.6

In its prime. I didn’t decant for fear of shocking it, and that was the right move. Pop it now if you have it because it’s a beauty from stem to stern. The nose pours out of the bottle with all kinds of flavors and expressions- pencil lead being a primary- but as it had a chance to breath and express itself it blossomed. Lush yet powerful, naturally as it’s blend would indicate it reminded me of some of what I like so much about Bordeaux. — 6 years ago

with Beth

Benjamin Keator

9.5

Unfortunately we were not able to give this a proper decant this time. Nonetheless the quality and finesse still shines through. IMO the 2003 is just now entering it prime drinking window. Tannins have softened nicely. Good fruit integration. Still needs a bit of time in the glass to open. Over the course of an hour it was only getting better and better. Wish we had had time to do a 4-5 hr decant. — 7 years ago

with Jimmy

Bill Bender

9.6

From Mag with bone-in NY prime. This is finally in an approachable drinking window. An hour decant gave this wings. As “Bordeaux” an Insignia I’ve had in a while. I know it’s a Bordeaux blend but it’s never really performed that way for me. Great strength here, silky lines and some legit nuance. — 7 years ago

Seiji Takeuchi

9.1

Japan! Love this beer! — 8 years ago

Richard Adams

9.7

Outstanding purity and balance. Prime window now. — 9 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.4

Ideal maturity! Like Pontet-Canet and Leoville-Barton, Gruaud made a better 1994 than the more famous 1995 & 1996. This isn't just good for an off year- with prime rib it is great cassis loaded, medium bodied, vibrant claret. — 9 years ago

David Son

9.9

Our Honeymoon wine... Very silky smooth texture and nice oak scent. Got along well with our kurobuta pork belly appetizer and prime new york. — 11 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

8.9

Good solid wine. Not complex and fully mature and past prime. — 11 years ago

Duane Mason

9.7

As good as California Cab can be. Absolutely great after three hours of air with a grilled prime rib eye. Run to find some ? — 12 years ago

Paul J

9.4

Happy Christmas Eve!! Slightly past prime but still very good! Went nicely with chicken stuff with mac & cheese. Classic Bordeaux nose followed by dark cherries and pencil shavings on the palate. Medium finish. Wine lacks some depth. — 6 years ago

with Brooke

Will Rogers

9.2

Prime 47 Combine doctor dinner — 7 years ago

Chad Thompson

8.9

Might be the bottle but just a bit past its prime. Still good - sweet core, good acid, dark fruits. — 7 years ago

Blair Jones

9.3

Caught the wine a bit past its prime. The notes were a bit leveled out but still well structured. Not quite what I was expecting as I was searching for the ‘02, bit still a good to great bottle. — 8 years ago

Christian Ford

9.0

Quite nice but clearly way past it's prime for this half bottle — 8 years ago

Dave Weick

9.5

WOTN Xmas 2016 with the 2006 vintage. Perfect pairing for prime rib. Great fruit, balance, excellent example of an Italian Bolgheri blend. Drinking well now but will clearly last for a while. — 9 years ago

Steve Haro

9.6

Old but not past prime. A little medicinal, but it's a children's medicine with grape flavor and tons of fun. Mushroom and tobacco and earth with a tinge of dark cherry. Great tannic finish. — 9 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.1

A classic from Napa, this 1999 Martha's Vineyard is definitely past its prime, but still a pleasure to drink. The tannins have largely disappeared (but made for a great match with a fantastic cut of filet mignon from the local butcher). Most of the primary aromas are gone, but some great secondary notes of leather and spice remain (the absence of the tell-tale eucalyptus from Martha's was a bit surprising). Color density is still pretty impressive after almost 17 years! Finishes a bit thin, but this wine has held up beautifully. Had an amazing tasting with David Heitz back in 2005 and this brings back all those memories. Cheers to one of the pioneering wine families of Napa Valley! — 9 years ago

with Vanessa

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

8.9

1975. Very nice earthy nose and palate. Moderate aromatic finish. Past its prime. Drink up. — 11 years ago

Kurt Krestinski

9.0

Smooth. Dark purple. Hints of blackberry raspberry and grapefruit. — 11 years ago

Eric McDougall

9.3

Cork was crumbly. Slightly past it's prime, but not corked. Soft and lovely and supremely balanced! — 13 years ago

Philip Dobrin

9.1

A little muddled. Great nose but exhibits neither the complexity of a mature wine nor the structure of one its prime. — 6 years ago

Matt

9.0

Solid, muddled fruit wrapped in American oak. No formal notes but seems to be cruising past its prime drinking window (for me) — 7 years ago

Paul Krzych

9.1

Well worth the price. Drinking very well and perfect with prime rib. — 7 years ago

Pablo

9.0

Super tasty. Cranberry and black fruit. Softening tannins. I got the prime NY steak to pair with this, which was a smart choice. — 8 years ago

Louis Taylor

9.0

We liked this wine, full bodied with a fruity bouquet. — 8 years ago

Palmer Emmitt

Owner/Winemaker Judge Palmer

9.4

I think my first Monte Bello and it does not disappoint. A very charming wine with an intriguing tomato component backed up by tons of cassis - "classic" California Cab. Great structure and for me in its prime right now (from half bottle). — 9 years ago

Matt Brock

8.9

2 days open and still prime. Jammy cab with lots to offer: a little fruit on the nose, a little spice on the finish. Always a winner. — 9 years ago

with Jennifer

Jack Clare

9.5

Decanted, it was outstanding all evening...not early or late, in its prime! — 10 years ago

Peter Slagowitz

9.2

Lovely CNP. In prime drinking window. Took a while to open. Decanted two hours and drank over 4. Just kept getting better. Dried figs. Light floral notes and a bit of leather. Mild tannins on finish. — 10 years ago

with Nancy

Damon Slachter

9.2

@Greg Wirth now this is some good stuff — 11 years ago