A magnificent wine. Deep crimson, fully saturated color. The classic Graves nose hit me as soon as the cork came free. There is a richness, a balance, a classic mature Bordeaux flavor profile that really surprised me. It developed more complexity and spiciness over the course of the couple of hours we drank. I’ve had the ‘66 Haut Brion (also Graves of course) and this ‘66 Pape Clement is much better.
I am upping my score from 92 to 95 after drinking a second bottle, this time from a 375 ml. It was more evolved and had significantly more depth and richness. I often underestimate how much time Monte Bello needs to reach it’s full glory. When it does, it rivals the worlds greatest wines. Even though this is Cabernet, it had a Pomerol like character. Tasted blind I believe it would stand alongside the greatest wines from that appellation.
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2009 Maison Ilan Charmes-Chambertin Aux Charmes Hautes
4/2/2023 - Wineisfordrinking Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Over extracted, secondary fermentation, there is nothing I like about this wine.
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1966 Château Pape Clément
4/2/2023 - Wineisfordrinking wrote: 95 Points
A magnificent wine. Deep crimson, fully saturated color. The classic Graves nose hit me as soon as the cork came free. There is a richness, a balance, a classic mature Bordeaux flavor profile that really surprised me. It developed more complexity and spiciness over the course of the couple of hours we drank. I’ve had the ‘66 Haut Brion (also Graves of course) and this ‘66 Pape Clement is much better.
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1999 Ridge Monte Bello
12/10/2022 - Wineisfordrinking wrote: 95 Points
I am upping my score from 92 to 95 after drinking a second bottle, this time from a 375 ml. It was more evolved and had significantly more depth and richness. I often underestimate how much time Monte Bello needs to reach it’s full glory. When it does, it rivals the worlds greatest wines. Even though this is Cabernet, it had a Pomerol like character. Tasted blind I believe it would stand alongside the greatest wines from that appellation.
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