On first open, the butter/malo notes are overpowering everything. Some fruit and acidity in there but hidden. Will see how it evolves with some air. — 2 months ago
Pendry with Tom — 3 months ago
This wine has a dark purple color and a complex nose. Aromas of black cherry, violets, anise, clove, leather and earth are plentiful in the bouquet. The palate offers a medium mouthfeel with great acidity and firm tannins. The fruit flavors are carried along by the more savory aspects of the profile. It is a wine which would love a pairing with a steak or a pork chop, or with a meaty stew. — 4 months ago
At WS - smooth — a month ago
Favorite wine! Sweet and fruity
15% alcohol! — a month ago
A fantastic bottling that is rich, bright and delicate at the same time. Fully integrated with lovely smoky and mineral notes. Long elegant finish.
The winery note states full development by 2022. Agreed but should have staying power for another 4-5 years. — 2 months ago
Imagine a great Cote Rotie, Cornas, and a Cal Syrah step into a bar. The atmosphere is all French but the ‘Mercian makes it interesting and overblown with too much density. It was spectacular, but if it were a bit more reserved, and didn’t stain my Riedel, it would have been on another level. — 4 months ago
Like the Pipparello, this is a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Montepulciano. Unlike the Pipparello, this one sees no oak.
The savory nose is full of cherries, earth, and herbal spices. Very deep and complex. On the palate the acidity is noticeably higher. Intense and brooding. Powerful dusty tannins.
A wine making tour de force. — 2 months ago
Privileged to sample the 2016 Monte Bello at the winery as part of their Library offerings. The bottle is $375 at the winery. Tight and tannic after 8 years (and half an hour of decanting) but promising much more. Josh at the winery concedes that it’s in a dumb phase but should reach its peak in 20-30 years. I could analyze and pick apart this one for hours. — 3 months ago
Medium, spicy, full body — 4 months ago
4th wine of BYOB blind. Very light with a slight effervescence, leading us to call this as a natty pinot. Was surprised it was such a classic. Have had Mt Eden Pinot before and this was not in the same neighborhood of depth/forest floor. Alas, not my favorite vintage — 4 months ago
Mark Rosse
Outstanding! — 12 days ago