Fully mature and probably on the downhill slope, it’s quite enjoyable today. Garnet in color, with significant sediment left in bottle. Decanted 4 hours and opened up nicely, but never showed great intensity. Brick dust, dark chocolate, oak spice, red fruit.
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From one of Califoria's most historic vineyards, planted in 1886. A gift from my sister and brother in law who are aware of my passion for old-vine wines. Popped and poured. Medium dark ruby red. An interesting wine from a weak vintage and a great, historic vineyard. Nose carries good rich, cab typicity. After opening a suave wine featuring black cherries, chocolate and some mellow cab tannins. Lingering aftertaste. I've heard it said, from people that I respect, that Monte Rosso terroir can be detected across varieties. I'm in the process of learning. Carlisle and Bedrock will be in the mix soon, so I'll get plenty of practice. Even though I have blood relatives working for Gallo, getting a tour of a Gallo Vineyard is said to be only slightly less difficult than getting a tour of a North Korean missle site. I'm working on it.
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Opened before dinner. Needed 1+ hrs air. Developed nicely w classic Cali Cab profile. Reminded me of the great 74 Louis Martine Reserve Cab. Vacuvinned and better the 2nd night.
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Surprisingly good. this winery has developed a reputation for mediocre wine, but this was pretty good. We were surprised at the depth, and the long finish, tasting of chocolate, coffee beans, and subtle berries. It was a positive surprise.
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Tasted in the winery and was not impressed. That was about 6 months ago. This time was pleasantly surprised. Started a bit sharp and tannic but after 30 minutes really smoothed out. Found it to be slightly smoky, chocolate with soft tannins and a nice finish. May be better after another year of cellaring.
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6/26/2021 - willschenk Likes this wine: 88 Points
Fully mature and probably on the downhill slope, it’s quite enjoyable today. Garnet in color, with significant sediment left in bottle. Decanted 4 hours and opened up nicely, but never showed great intensity. Brick dust, dark chocolate, oak spice, red fruit.
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2/26/2012 - bobpsi wrote: 88 Points
Moderate nose of blackberry, dark cherry, earth and herbs. Medium body of cherry, black currant, smoke and tobacco. Medium finish.
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7/18/2010 - Mike Dildine wrote: 90 Points
From one of Califoria's most historic vineyards, planted in 1886. A gift from my sister and brother in law who are aware of my passion for old-vine wines. Popped and poured. Medium dark ruby red. An interesting wine from a weak vintage and a great, historic vineyard. Nose carries good rich, cab typicity. After opening a suave wine featuring black cherries, chocolate and some mellow cab tannins. Lingering aftertaste. I've heard it said, from people that I respect, that Monte Rosso terroir can be detected across varieties. I'm in the process of learning. Carlisle and Bedrock will be in the mix soon, so I'll get plenty of practice. Even though I have blood relatives working for Gallo, getting a tour of a Gallo Vineyard is said to be only slightly less difficult than getting a tour of a North Korean missle site. I'm working on it.
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2/25/2007 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 90 Points
Opened before dinner. Needed 1+ hrs air. Developed nicely w classic Cali Cab profile. Reminded me of the great 74 Louis Martine Reserve Cab. Vacuvinned and better the 2nd night.
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9/28/2005 - mmyette wrote: 89 Points
Surprisingly good. this winery has developed a reputation for mediocre wine, but this was pretty good. We were surprised at the depth, and the long finish, tasting of chocolate, coffee beans, and subtle berries. It was a positive surprise.
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9/20/2005 - J-Sho wrote: 87 Points
Tasted in the winery and was not impressed. That was about 6 months ago. This time was pleasantly surprised. Started a bit sharp and tannic but after 30 minutes really smoothed out. Found it to be slightly smoky, chocolate with soft tannins and a nice finish. May be better after another year of cellaring.
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7/23/2005 - schmittdoggy wrote: 90 Points
Very good wine and very typical for a quality California cab. Quite smooth with hints of oak and smoke. Nice finish.
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