A big rich beast, but in the best sort of way. Beautiful golden colour gives way to ripe apricot and peach, roasted citrus, and some tropical notes. Oak is integrated and the fruit could handle a lot of it - a smoky, buttery element. Quite unctuous, but not lacking balance, this is like surfing on wave of ripe orchard fruits with a fresh spritz at the end. Brilliant with smoked haddock souffles. Probably needs drinking now.
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Ridge tasting at the Rheingau Gourmet Festival 2016: clear yellow color; lots of lemon, apple and apricot smells in the nose accompanied with oak caramel and butter aromas; in the mouth surprisingly not much flavor; medium body and smooth texture.
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#DCInvasion (Chicago, IL): Butterscotch. No. Ripe and fat, like chewing on a stick of butter. This shows in a huge, bulbous manner that just isn't pleasant at all. For what it's worth, this clocked in at a massive 14.7% abv.
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Bought this wine in a close out bin at the local grocery store. Started intriguing, but quickly oxidized and became uninteresting. My guess is it was two years too old. Worth a shot at $15.
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didn't take great notes, but everyone who tasted it appreciated its poise. The mouthfeel was substantial, with stone fruit and honey flavors, characterized by sun-ripened fruit throughout. This and Cindy's Small Vines pinot were my WOTNs.
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This should be drunk two years ago. The bottle I had in 2010 was exciting and fresh with good balance. THe bottle I had a year ago was more tired and almost oxidized. The one today was a bit better but certainly on its way down. On the nose it is very overseas, with butter, mature bananas and wood. On the palate the alcohol burns a bit, and there is not enough acidity to balance out the rich and old/tired fruit. Stille better than most other 9 year old US chardonnays...
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with crab and focaccia; a consolation prize for not being at the pub tonight; golden yellow; oakey, full bodied, lemony; vanilla; not our style, but very well made
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This bottle was much more evolved than the last one, to the point where I believe it was slightly oxidized. Dark yellow almost golden. Still OK mouthfeel but none of the fat fruit left, and no popcorn or wood in the nose, more overripe apples.
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Rich butterscotch nose. Flinty white peach flavors with some vanilla and oaky butteriness. Interesting combination of flavor elements in a fairly complex wine. Good length. Still has several years left on it.
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Some butter, oil; palate clean and nice finish. Definitely california in style with the oak (which means it's not for me...), but well balanced within that style. 90
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Monte Bello Cabernet Offline (Gauthier London): Light gold colour. Not particularly forthcoming aromas. Lively and fresh. Not too oaky but a bit short. Perhaps overshadowed by the Bonneau de Martray.
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Big wine bordering on viscous. Oak present but not overwhelming. Almond, lemon, melon with great supporting acidity given the ripeness. This is still on the up I believe. I will wait a few years before I touch my last bottle.
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Caught just at the cusp -- amazing stuff this is. Stoney and flinty, big carmel and oak, ripe chardonnay fruit, zesty, towering acidity. An amazing chardonnay. Drink now.
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medium yellow color. big oaky nose, with butter, bananas & vanilla. pineapple & peaches on the palate. usually not my style but this is balanced & tasty.
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I love this wine. Wonderfully citrusy nose with a floral hint. Full bodied in the mouth, but not over the top. Integrated: good fruit and a healthy backbone of acidity. This will last a number of years. I love the fact that this is so consistent. I've had a number of viintages and the quality and flavors are onsistent. One of my favorite CA chards.
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Mid-yellow, a bit cloudy. Nose of fully mature chardonnay, with well integrated new wood, not the overly toasty oakish nose sometimes found in overseas chardonnays. Lovely fruity nose, not very complex yet, just very pleasing and charming. On the attack, you first notice the acid, which is uncommon for US chardonnays. However, immediately after, the fruit and sweetness kicks in. This is a heavy, fullbodied wine, but with perfect balance. It is simply balanced on a higher level than most chardonnays. Quite long aftertaste which finish almost fresh and invites you to have one more sip. Overall an outstanding US chardonnay in a great year, perhaps only beaten by Kistler?
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Mid yellow; very expressive! nose, oak, exotic, overripe banana, pineapple without the acidity; very rich, very powerful; good balance and structure, butter, no steeliness; exciting!
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Loved the mix of tropical fruit, stone, and frankly, a kind of wild feral edge. I just looked up and CT is giving the information that it was my last bottle. That sucks. But it was a good send off to a great vintage and fun to share with Julia again!
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Nose of toasted bread, tropical fruits, almond and some oak. Served too warm, but amazing balance of full bodied fruit and smoothness with great acidity. Full tropical fruit and nectarines. Touch of almond extract. Creamy but so clean. Good, good stuff.
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Wonderfull example of all thats best about Californian Chardonay. Rich golden colour, butter toast, steel undertones, planks of oak done just right, superb balance and length. Bought a case on release and got my hands on it at christmas ... want to savour it but already 6 bottles down. will go on for years if i can wait but so good now its hard to leave them alone! 2013 at least.
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A great classic old-style chardonnay. A wine that mixes the stone flavor with big fruit. This is my version of what a CA chardonnay should taste like. It helps that Parker and WS haven't rated it, and you can get it for around $50. Butter, stones and a little honey on the nose. More gravel, huge mouth feel and a little citrus on the palate. Finish goes on and on. A chardonnay that will last for another five years and probably improve for another two. A wine to savor and relax with.
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I felt this was quite a wine to drink right now. I wish I had intellectualized the wine a touch more so I could decided if it could go longer or not. What a horrible sentance that last one is but I am not going to correct it.
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classic, elegant, high singing chardonnay expression on the nose. eucalyptus in there. ben calls wet stone. monster finish with some of the mystery associated with an arm that has fallen asleep, but is now beginning to "wake up."
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Waterford Staff Attack (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): great smoke and gunflint on the palate to this big guy. quite a bit going on in this wine and singing nicely at the moment. the pineapple fruit and charming oak influence are really running hand in hand right now.
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There was an incredible lunch served at the Post Hotel Wine Summit at Lake Louise Alberta Canada on Saturday May 31st. There were plenty of wines served with the Tartlet of Leek with Black Truffle White Wine Chive Sauce, Medallions of Veal Tenderloin with Porcini and dry sack Veal Jus Risotto and Chinese Broccoli, and Chilled Rhubarb Soup with Raspberry Sorbet. Matched with the tartlet of leek was a wonderful 2004 Chardonnay “Monte Bello” by Ridge Vineyards. Paul Draper had walked us through eight of his magnificent Monte Bello red blends so this Chard was a nice surprise. This glass was golden straw color and grabbed on to the glass beautifully. It had a nose of pine, tropicals, and a pleasant macadamia nut aroma. It was creamy and rich and paired beautifully with the teaser tartlet. This was exceptional.
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Surprisingly high in alcohol at 14.7%, this wine has a nice clear medium yellow color to it with heavy body. It gave off aromas of vanilla, mineral, limes and white peaches and a palate of lime, peach, honey, mineral and oak. It is not very common for a California white wine to need cellaring time, but in the case of Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnays and also Hanzell Chardonnays, cellaring will be quite rewarding for these wines. In the case of the 2004 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay, I think this wine will be best around the year 2012 and beyond. How well it will do beyond the year 2019 I am not sure, but I think this is a a wine that will most likely hold up 15 years from its vintage date and maybe beyond. Right now I rate it a 93 pointer, but it has the potential for a 95.
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12/29/2018 - depechemoroder Likes this wine: 92 Points
A big rich beast, but in the best sort of way. Beautiful golden colour gives way to ripe apricot and peach, roasted citrus, and some tropical notes. Oak is integrated and the fruit could handle a lot of it - a smoky, buttery element. Quite unctuous, but not lacking balance, this is like surfing on wave of ripe orchard fruits with a fresh spritz at the end. Brilliant with smoked haddock souffles. Probably needs drinking now.
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7/8/2018 - Gestalted Likes this wine: 94 Points
Now 14 years old. This is what I crave out of aged Chardonnay. Big sherry, tropical fruit and toffee just oozing out of this monster. Outstanding!
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9/7/2016 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Well that is darn delicious. Utterly outstanding. Incredible.
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3/12/2016 - Fatty Cat wrote: 90 Points
Ridge tasting at the Rheingau Gourmet Festival 2016: clear yellow color; lots of lemon, apple and apricot smells in the nose accompanied with oak caramel and butter aromas; in the mouth surprisingly not much flavor; medium body and smooth texture.
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8/9/2015 - acyso wrote: 70 Points
#DCInvasion (Chicago, IL): Butterscotch. No. Ripe and fat, like chewing on a stick of butter. This shows in a huge, bulbous manner that just isn't pleasant at all. For what it's worth, this clocked in at a massive 14.7% abv.
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2/14/2015 - Axelpeter wrote: 89 Points
17+(Sas+Wolfg),milde Nase, etwas müde aber noch lebendig, Säure mit Firniston ("alte Ananas"),reduzierte Frucht, mineralisch, feiner alter Wein;
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10/25/2014 - medicineman Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nose slightly weird but plate full fat lemons, caramel butter and lemon. Better than last bottle. Still enjoying.
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10/10/2014 - sithinfiltrator wrote: 87 Points
Bought this wine in a close out bin at the local grocery store. Started intriguing, but quickly oxidized and became uninteresting. My guess is it was two years too old. Worth a shot at $15.
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10/2/2014 - WineDoctors wrote: 90 Points
Golden yellow viscous and hot. Oxidized baked apple honey notes. Long finish with toasted coconut dominating. Drink now
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8/18/2013 - medicineman wrote: 86 Points
Very citric but oxidation now showing Acidity still crisp but now a paler version of its peak. Drink up!
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2/10/2013 - tarheel17 wrote:
didn't take great notes, but everyone who tasted it appreciated its poise. The mouthfeel was substantial, with stone fruit and honey flavors, characterized by sun-ripened fruit throughout. This and Cindy's Small Vines pinot were my WOTNs.
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1/6/2013 - UTPK wrote:
This should be drunk two years ago. The bottle I had in 2010 was exciting and fresh with good balance. THe bottle I had a year ago was more tired and almost oxidized. The one today was a bit better but certainly on its way down. On the nose it is very overseas, with butter, mature bananas and wood. On the palate the alcohol burns a bit, and there is not enough acidity to balance out the rich and old/tired fruit. Stille better than most other 9 year old US chardonnays...
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12/14/2012 - WineDoctors wrote: 92 Points
with crab and focaccia; a consolation prize for not being at the pub tonight; golden yellow; oakey, full bodied, lemony; vanilla; not our style, but very well made
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9/17/2012 - UTPK wrote:
This bottle was much more evolved than the last one, to the point where I believe it was slightly oxidized. Dark yellow almost golden. Still OK mouthfeel but none of the fat fruit left, and no popcorn or wood in the nose, more overripe apples.
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5/19/2012 - drwine2001 wrote:
Ridge Monte Bello Red and White-New Releases and Library Wines (Ridge Vineyards, Cupertino, California): Again, full yellow. Very forward nose of caramel. Big wine, obviously oaky, not much fruit some interesting elements of spice and leesiness. Not enough acidity to cut through its buttery nature though.
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5/19/2012 - kosinski wrote:
Rich butterscotch nose. Flinty white peach flavors with some vanilla and oaky butteriness. Interesting combination of flavor elements in a fairly complex wine. Good length. Still has several years left on it.
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12/18/2011 - sw92130 wrote: 92 Points
This was delicious. EB at Ridge said it would age well and he was absolutley right!
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8/15/2011 - aagrawal wrote: 90 Points
Some butter, oil; palate clean and nice finish. Definitely california in style with the oak (which means it's not for me...), but well balanced within that style. 90
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8/1/2011 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
In prime form right now. Stunning. Drink away.
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7/12/2011 - Rupert wrote:
Ridge Monte Bello 1981-1999 (Gauthier Soho): Ripe and tangy, some tropical fruit, but with a nice lick of toasty oak to keep it in check, delicious
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7/12/2011 - rayq wrote:
Monte Bello Cabernet Offline (Gauthier London): Light gold colour. Not particularly forthcoming aromas.
Lively and fresh. Not too oaky but a bit short. Perhaps overshadowed by the Bonneau de Martray.
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7/9/2011 - beekeeper wrote: 92 Points
Big wine bordering on viscous. Oak present but not overwhelming. Almond, lemon, melon with great supporting acidity given the ripeness.
This is still on the up I believe. I will wait a few years before I touch my last bottle.
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5/31/2011 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Caught just at the cusp -- amazing stuff this is. Stoney and flinty, big carmel and oak, ripe chardonnay fruit, zesty, towering acidity. An amazing chardonnay. Drink now.
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12/31/2010 - medicineman wrote: 91 Points
Planks of oak and sharp lemons still a big wine but beautifully balanced. Years of life left in it, half way through the case however now!
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6/16/2010 - celtic67 wrote: 94 Points
medium yellow color. big oaky nose, with butter, bananas & vanilla. pineapple & peaches on the palate. usually not my style but this is balanced & tasty.
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2/15/2010 - Winevestor wrote: 94 Points
I love this wine. Wonderfully citrusy nose with a floral hint. Full bodied in the mouth, but not over the top. Integrated: good fruit and a healthy backbone of acidity. This will last a number of years. I love the fact that this is so consistent. I've had a number of viintages and the quality and flavors are onsistent. One of my favorite CA chards.
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1/24/2010 - UTPK wrote:
Mid-yellow, a bit cloudy. Nose of fully mature chardonnay, with well integrated new wood, not the overly toasty oakish nose sometimes found in overseas chardonnays. Lovely fruity nose, not very complex yet, just very pleasing and charming. On the attack, you first notice the acid, which is uncommon for US chardonnays. However, immediately after, the fruit and sweetness kicks in. This is a heavy, fullbodied wine, but with perfect balance. It is simply balanced on a higher level than most chardonnays. Quite long aftertaste which finish almost fresh and invites you to have one more sip. Overall an outstanding US chardonnay in a great year, perhaps only beaten by Kistler?
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1/23/2010 - Miceri wrote: 98 Points
Mid yellow; very expressive! nose, oak, exotic, overripe banana, pineapple without the acidity; very rich, very powerful; good balance and structure, butter, no steeliness; exciting!
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1/10/2010 - miTsirraH wrote: 95 Points
Outstanding
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10/3/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Loved the mix of tropical fruit, stone, and frankly, a kind of wild feral edge. I just looked up and CT is giving the information that it was my last bottle. That sucks. But it was a good send off to a great vintage and fun to share with Julia again!
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10/2/2009 - Beavis77 wrote:
Nose of toasted bread, tropical fruits, almond and some oak.
Served too warm, but amazing balance of full bodied fruit and smoothness with great acidity. Full tropical fruit and nectarines. Touch of almond extract. Creamy but so clean.
Good, good stuff.
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8/17/2009 - Zweder wrote: 94 Points
Occasional tasting group: Extensive Southern Rhône tasting with some extra's. (@ PVa): Full bodied and lush. A lot of oak and the wine can handle it. Citrus and peach. Soft and round bitterness. Great wine if you like the style (which I do).
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7/31/2009 - medicineman wrote: 94 Points
Wonderfull example of all thats best about Californian Chardonay. Rich golden colour, butter toast, steel undertones, planks of oak done just right, superb balance and length. Bought a case on release and got my hands on it at christmas ... want to savour it but already 6 bottles down. will go on for years if i can wait but so good now its hard to leave them alone! 2013 at least.
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7/24/2009 - Winevestor wrote: 93 Points
A great classic old-style chardonnay. A wine that mixes the stone flavor with big fruit. This is my version of what a CA chardonnay should taste like. It helps that Parker and WS haven't rated it, and you can get it for around $50. Butter, stones and a little honey on the nose. More gravel, huge mouth feel and a little citrus on the palate. Finish goes on and on. A chardonnay that will last for another five years and probably improve for another two. A wine to savor and relax with.
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5/30/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
I felt this was quite a wine to drink right now. I wish I had intellectualized the wine a touch more so I could decided if it could go longer or not. What a horrible sentance that last one is but I am not going to correct it.
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4/18/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
classic, elegant, high singing chardonnay expression on the nose. eucalyptus in there. ben calls wet stone. monster finish with some of the mystery associated with an arm that has fallen asleep, but is now beginning to "wake up."
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4/17/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Stoney minearality. Amazing finish. Incredibly powerful. I would guess this is a touch young. Awsome.
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3/15/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Waterford Staff Attack (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): great smoke and gunflint on the palate to this big guy. quite a bit going on in this wine and singing nicely at the moment. the pineapple fruit and charming oak influence are really running hand in hand right now.
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7/16/2008 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
This was off the hook. If you ever see it for sale buy it.
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5/31/2008 - ewineguy wrote: 93 Points
There was an incredible lunch served at the Post Hotel Wine Summit at Lake Louise Alberta Canada on Saturday May 31st. There were plenty of wines served with the Tartlet of Leek with Black Truffle White Wine Chive Sauce, Medallions of Veal Tenderloin with Porcini and dry sack Veal Jus Risotto and Chinese Broccoli, and Chilled Rhubarb Soup with Raspberry Sorbet. Matched with the tartlet of leek was a wonderful 2004 Chardonnay “Monte Bello” by Ridge Vineyards. Paul Draper had walked us through eight of his magnificent Monte Bello red blends so this Chard was a nice surprise. This glass was golden straw color and grabbed on to the glass beautifully. It had a nose of pine, tropicals, and a pleasant macadamia nut aroma. It was creamy and rich and paired beautifully with the teaser tartlet. This was exceptional.
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10/14/2007 - pofuyen wrote: 92 Points
It has a very nice golden yellow color, aroma of mineral and butter, classic chardonnay, very smooth drinking, I like it.
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7/25/2007 - Renegade wrote: 93 Points
Surprisingly high in alcohol at 14.7%, this wine has a nice clear medium yellow color to it with heavy body. It gave off aromas of vanilla, mineral, limes and white peaches and a palate of lime, peach, honey, mineral and oak. It is not very common for a California white wine to need cellaring time, but in the case of Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnays and also Hanzell Chardonnays, cellaring will be quite rewarding for these wines. In the case of the 2004 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay, I think this wine will be best around the year 2012 and beyond. How well it will do beyond the year 2019 I am not sure, but I think this is a a wine that will most likely hold up 15 years from its vintage date and maybe beyond. Right now I rate it a 93 pointer, but it has the potential for a 95.
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