Laith A

9.4

Delicious as always.. perfect for a hot day outside! — 4 years ago

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Once again I am reviewing the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Cuvée, 100 cases. I was looking forward to having this one a second time. Nose is a bit shy. But wow what a mouthfeel. Big fruit but far from too ripe. It’s elegant and silky in the mouth. Beautifully ripe blackberries, plum, maybe black cherries, baking spices, milk chocolate, licorice. Great structure with mild earthiness, nice acidity, and nice tannins. Great long finish. This exceeded my expectations once again. So glad I’ve got a case more. — 4 years ago

Khary Bizzell

10

Damn. Seriously the best I’ve had. — 5 years ago

Jeff Hasmann

9.6

Sixth and final wine of the week from the cellar. Tasted next to the 2005 Cos d’Estournel. Like the Cos, the Montrose presents as a classic, traditional St Estephe that is just entering its drinking window. The blend is 65 Cabernet / 31 Merlot and the color is so dark as to look almost black. The nose is still shy, but with a bit of air, opens to reveal ripe red berries, bay leaf, cedar, and graphite. The palate is smooth and full-bodied with a spine of strong tannins evident. Layers of ripe red fruit, almost black, cloves, cocoa, and earthiness evolve over time. The secondary flavors are just beginning to emerge. What is impressive about this wine is the power, purity of fruit, and tannic structure. The fruit is more evident than in the Cos and the tannins are bigger and stronger. This wine is probably about 3 years behind the Cos in its development. The tannins and power of this wine are impressive. Believe me - both the Cos and the Montrose are world class wines from a great vintage. I would not be surprised if the Montrose is still drinking well in 50 years. 2005 vintage on April 20, 2020 — 5 years ago

Adam Knoerzer

9.2

I think this is their most successful Pinot in the past few vintages. A little shy right now, sure, but I think it’s going to be firing on all cylinders in 2-3 years. Restrained, perfumed, and with enough structure to develop nicely. — 6 years ago

Chris England

8.9

You wouldn’t know Barbaresco is one of my favourite wines as I hardly review them weirdly 😁 so seeing this 21 year old baby @ £83 recently I thought I gotta get me a piece of that 😉 It’s a few years past it’s peak now but still a decent drop although not worth its current 💵

📍 Giuseppe Cortese Rabaja 1998

🏵 89-90 points

🍇 Nebbiolo

🍷 Clear cherry ruby w/ bricked edge

👃 Tortured mashed cherry through tar, tobacco, soot embers, soggy earth, drenched oak & herbs w/ dirty dried red flower potpourri, menthol/mint & shy red berries

👄 Med slight tart body of earthy red cherry w/ a slight dry cocoa & red berry backbone

🎯 Med+ dry woody earthy red cherry/berry cocoa warming finale
— 6 years ago

Jason Soloway

8.9

Not sure what to make of this bottle. It was shy on opening and unfurled over a couple of hours to a pleasing Chardonnay that did little to offend or inspire. — 4 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

Tightly wound, a touch reductive and shy on the nose emphasizing its youth. With time it opens beautifully showing black currants, wild raspberries, violets, spices, stems and pixelated minerals. Finishes with great length, concentration and balanced acidity. Easily built for decades of aging. — 5 years ago

Chad Brewer

9.2

Thick rich and juicy — 5 years ago

Josh Weinstein

9.3

Love the pears and citrus with acidity — 5 years ago

with Kristen

Jeff D.

9.6

Super silky smooth and yummy! Perfect to drink now, opened for an hour and ready to rock. Thanks Todd! — 5 years ago

Samuel Sabori

9.1

Like drinking honey. Goes quickly.

Nose is initially waxy/muscat-like but that blows off. White flowers abound. There’s also a subtle passion fruit thing. Overall a very shy wine but one that pulls you in. — 6 years ago

Charles Garrison

9.2

Beautiful coloration, initially shy aromatics that opened up by 2nd pour with dark, expressive fruits, lovely, though not heavy dark fruits in the palate with pleasing finish — 7 years ago

Michael Greene

9.4

Young but why wait when it is this good? Top 1er cru quality. A little shy on the nose, but palate is incredible. Super pure fruit with raspberry and cherries. Tannins are velvet. Great lift and length on the finish. — 4 years ago

Antonio Galloni

Founder, Vinous

9.2

Just as fabulous as it was from barrel. Dark, plummy and forward. Needs time for the oak to integrate, but absolutely delicious... 💥🔥🤪😍. Tasted during the Vinous Learn class on Undiscovered Napa Valley... — 5 years ago

Shawn R

9.5

En Mag, shy nose at first-took an hour to open up. Grape bubble gum on the nose, you know that kind you bought at the baseball field. Jam jar and super fine tannins make for a great showing. — 5 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright and deep red. Shy nose and more present palate of pomegranate, citrus rind, dry red flowers, and anise fruit leather. Bracing acidity shores up the medium to full (for a rosé) body. Young Tavel giving a glimpse of what could come five to ten years on. A great wine with light “red wine” or heavier “white wine” dishes as well as an intriguing late summer/early fall sipper. Drink now or hold through 2028. — 5 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.3

Good quality Latour that’s holding up well. Nose was shy and took time to open. Color is still quite good. Not as assertive as I have had in the past- but still quality claret. At Bourbon Steak Santa Clara. Sommelier Rob was outstanding on all levels. — 6 years ago

Paul Mullin

10

Mould’s Vineyards Dakota Shy 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep inky red in the glass, full nose, very smooth after opening up. A big, bold red with a spicy finish. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 88 Insignia out of Magnum.

On the nose, shy blackberries, dark cherries, cherries, creamy strawberries, black plum, notes of blue fruits, sweet vanillin soft volcanic minerals, red & blue florals with violets.

The body is leaner medium. Tannins are completely resolved. Pure pruny fruit elegance with bright red floral bouquet. Blackberries, dark cherries, cherries, creamy strawberries, black plum, rhubarb with notes of blue fruits, sweet vanillin fine powdery, old shoe leather, dry brush, volcanic minerals, red & blue florals with violets. Nice acidity and finish but, this wine was better served 3-5 years ago. — 7 years ago