Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - Deep rich dark cassis, plum, black cherries, lots of black licorice - all day in fact. Coffee, caramel. Brighter tones showed with some air. Nice purple flowers, creamy baked goods and some vanilla qualities eventually opened up.
The palate was thick yet showed nice balance. Masculine in style more purple and black stone fruit and berries - plum, fig, anise, black pepper and fresh leather. Still in its teenage years this wine has a long life ahead. Big and bold. One of the more New World and flashy Monte Bello's I've tasted.