April 19, 2024 - Same notes as previous
February 10, 2024 - Good fruit but medium structure.
November 24, 2023 - Very nice Zin, but I was hoping for more fruit.
That said, it’s a very smooth dry red wine !
November 3, 2023 - Drank twice
Once during a private testing directly at the estate
Once from the bottle I brought back from my trip. Let it open for 1-2-3 hours in a decanter (1 glass per hour)
The third glass at the 3hrs mark was the best.
It’s not a problematic wine in any ways
It’s just a very linear and straight forward wine
powerful fruits on the nose, not much complexity except an oaky/leathery combo if you pay close attention
Powerful but short-lived explosion of fruits on the palate. Cherry, oak… tanins are okay. A bit harsh, didnt find any finesse in there.. not very rounded.
The biggest problem of those wines is their selling price. 68 USD, worth 25$ top.
Otherwise very drinkable on a thursday diner
May 17, 2023 - Tasted at winery: bright cherry forward roasted espresso, blackberry, raspberry tones, already well balanced with long finish on palate add 3-5 years & this wine will develop beautiful depth.
March 6, 2023 - Deep ruby color. Pronounced, youthful aromas of cherry, plum, chocolate, cassis, tobacco, coconut milk. Med(+) body, dry, high acidity, high alcohol, long finish. Very elegant and fresh with powdery tannins a slight touch of raisiny character. Drinking beautifully but probably can age well too.
Ended up my favorite among Montelena wines.
November 26, 2022 - consistent with previous note
November 1, 2022 - 16 months in French and American oak, 16% new.
Medium ruby.
Very pronounced on the nose, could smell it as soon as it was poured! Black plum, blackcurrant, cranberry, dried fruit, chocolate.
Pronounced on the palate with super ripe blackcurrant and prune. High acidity, medium plus tannins, full body, high alcohol, long finish.
Very enjoyable zinfandel with great intensity of fruit which lingers on the palate and good complexity.
July 18, 2022 - Needs more bottle aging, but already beautifully balanced