Aravind A

9.2

Classic bdx, maybe a touch past-prime bc it showed slightly flat on palate. Very yummy! — 7 years ago

with Peter

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. — 8 years ago

with Jimmy

Christian Ford

9.0

Quite nice but clearly way past it's prime for this half bottle — 9 years ago

Jason Sliwa

9.5

It feels like it was in prime shape. Restrained but pleasant fruit with round tannins and great acidity. — 9 years ago

with Vicki and Max

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Oz. for oz. one of the best Rosé champagnes for the 💰. The fruits just a touch tart. Black cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, tangerine and baguette. The fine yet grippy chalkiness & minerality cuts razor sharp across the palate. The acidity is brilliant and the perfectly rich finish is so delicious. My go to Rosé champagne! Loving it. — 10 years ago

Ian Downey

9.5

Great dinner, tasted the 79; 85; 90; 99; 04; 07; 13. Memorable night! Like most, I thought the '13 was fantastic. The '99 was my favorite, however, showing a little more attitude and personality from a vintage that challenged the winemaker in different ways than the '13. The '85 was also very good. The '79 was past prime, noticeably. — 10 years ago

Jack Clare

9.5

Decanted, it was outstanding all evening...not early or late, in its prime! — 11 years ago

Diabolus In Vino

9.0

Light bodied, past-prime, but classic fruit. 😋 — 11 years ago

Damon Slachter

9.2

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

Rick Baumgarten

9.1

Still some fruit and very pleasant but past prime. — 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. — 7 years ago

with Brooke

Chad Thompson

8.9

Might be the bottle but just a bit past its prime. Still good - sweet core, good acid, dark fruits. — 8 years ago

Joel Neal

9.3

Fruit is still surprisingly present for 13 years in the bottle. Oak, med tannins, a bit of earthy spice. Good vintage. Most Iso are a bit past prime at 13 years, this could go a while longer. — 8 years ago

Seiji Takeuchi

9.1

Japan! Love this beer! — 9 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.2

Though past prime, this wine is still showing nicely. Good balance and color. Very enjoyable — 9 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. — 10 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. — 10 years ago

Lara Dunphy Guest

Director Sales & Marketing Black Cordon Vineyards, Sixteen by Twenty Wines

9.2

Another wine courtesy of my Dad as a birthday gift when I was a child. It's not far from going over the hill, but it was hanging on. Dried strawberry and dried cherry, subtle leather, acidity was almost too high, but not unpleasant. Overall enjoyable but I certainly did not enjoy it in its prime, unfortunately. — 11 years ago

with Nicholas

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

John Wight

Sommelier/Wine Director Luce Restaurant

10

1982
At us prime! Stunning n gorgeous ! — 12 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

Cory Bolton

9.6

I have an affinity to Mike Smith wines. Let this baby breathe for a couple hours and it opens up well. Prime for drinking now — bold, dense fruit flavor that you’d come to expect from a Napa cab powerhouse wine maker. Full body and long peppery finish. Still a winner in my book. — 7 years ago

Rob McCormish

9.4

This was in magnum and served with prime rib at Christmas Eve dinner. In a word, it was outstanding! Deep, meaty flavors gave way to a long, elegant finish. — 8 years ago

Louis Taylor

9.0

We liked this wine, full bodied with a fruity bouquet. — 9 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

Leslie Bartos

9.6

started to open at 4+ hour. wait on last 2 bottles as very promising! paired lovely with a prime rib. long finish, integrating nicely with a lot of fruit left. incredible fruit purity in a Napa Cabernet- dark cherry, cedar, lead pencil, coffee. secondary elements just starting. 2001 vintage on 3/11/17. — 10 years ago

with Tony

Richard Adams

9.7

Outstanding purity and balance. Prime window now. — 10 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

9.3

Lovely old fashioned claret with plenty of earth and perfectly developed texture. Off the charts with dry aged prime ribeye from Dittmers and risotto! — 11 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.2

1967: Lively spicy nose. Redolent with eucalyptus, as should be anticipated and celebrated. Metallic component, yet solid throughout of vibrant fruit. While a mere shadow of the other worldly 1968, still a prime example of the birth of modern California winemaking. An honor to experience. — 11 years ago

with Michael

Dan Brow

9.8

Past its prime ? Could be. Otherwise a smooth and well rounded blend, a bit on the dry side, notes of earth and dark ripe berries. Was paired very well with a prime aged steak and truffles. — 14 years ago