Well, its past ts prime but not near dead yet... Shows more of its earthy characteristics than fruit... Still interesting and enjoyable, more Bordeaux-esque than previous.
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very correct in aromatics and flavor profile but lacks the verve to be called outstanding. Soft tannins and acid, I would say drink in the very near term.
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Right from the get-go, this bottle is badly corked. Still, we decided to try the Saran Wrap treatment on it, and once again (at least for me), it worked pretty darned well. Naturally, the bouquet is now a bit muted, but there are fresh mint leaf, dark cassis, bell pepper and leather notes clearly popping through. It continues to show a lot of mint leaf in the mouth, along with a jumble of blackberry, dark cherry, black beans, sweet creosote, chocolate powder and cedar. The texture suffers a bit—showing somewhat tough and leathery. The finish displays some volcanic rock and dark earth overtones and ends a bit dry and coarse. Ed never could get past the corked elements, but the rest of us were able to enjoy it at least somewhat.
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Taste: Initial impression was simply "very nice". Noticed a large presence of vanillins. The fruits were very nice - darkest red fruits. Fruits were nicely integrated and balanced with the acid/tannins.
Overall: This was a very smooth wine and to be honest, I think it will be better in 5 years. 92 Points
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taste: very elegant and smooth with rounded tones of dark red cherries, roasted herbs, mint, cassis, and a great underlying sour cranberry character that adds nicely to the wine
overall: This is very much on par with the Monty Estate from the same vintage. There is a bit more depth on the estate, but this is also a beautiful wine that is now in a great place. Has that Montelena elegance and it really looks like the 98 vintage is turning out to be much better then what was initially thought. There is a class among these wines and reminds us that with time and patience, that even a lump of coal will turn into a diamond
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Edward Roberts International Pre-Auction Tasting (Union League Club of Chicago): Sampled at the Edward Roberts International Pre-Auction Tasting at the Union League Club of Chicago. Maybe a little bit past its prime, it's still awesome juice. Light dried fruit that's absolutely gorgeous and structured. Turned off a bit by an overly sweet molasses sensation on the palate. Long mouth filling and elegant finish. Beautiful acidity and really soft tannins.
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This wine has matured very nicely. Less fruit and more earthy flavors. Licorice and tobacco with a hint of dark fruit. Tannins have softened and blended well. Medium full consistency -Has another 3 to 5 years to go but is very good at this pont.
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Powerful dark fruits in a very dark wine. I didn't get alot of tannins in this one, though they may have been overpowered by the fruits. I have one more bottle which I will hold onto for a year to see how it evolves.
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12/28/2018 - Sawin1 wrote:
Unbelievable wine
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4/10/2016 - JJKinch wrote: 89 Points
Dark fruit (blueberry, cherry, slight plum), cassis, spice. Good but somewhat fading acidity. Lingering finish. Better with food.
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10/20/2015 - JJKinch wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit (blueberry, cherry), cassis. Spice. Good acidity. Lingering finish. Really enjoyable.
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2/28/2010 - spectrumphoto wrote: 88 Points
Well, its past ts prime but not near dead yet... Shows more of its earthy characteristics than fruit... Still interesting and enjoyable, more Bordeaux-esque than previous.
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11/25/2009 - IlonaN wrote: 89 Points
very correct in aromatics and flavor profile but lacks the verve to be called outstanding. Soft tannins and acid, I would say drink in the very near term.
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10/11/2009 - skoppel wrote: 92 Points
Beautifully balanced, tasted so good we drank it to quickly to allow it time to develop. Wine can easily go another 10 years.
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2/28/2009 - mjmal wrote: flawed
Right from the get-go, this bottle is badly corked. Still, we decided to try the Saran Wrap treatment on it, and once again (at least for me), it worked pretty darned well. Naturally, the bouquet is now a bit muted, but there are fresh mint leaf, dark cassis, bell pepper and leather notes clearly popping through. It continues to show a lot of mint leaf in the mouth, along with a jumble of blackberry, dark cherry, black beans, sweet creosote, chocolate powder and cedar. The texture suffers a bit—showing somewhat tough and leathery. The finish displays some volcanic rock and dark earth overtones and ends a bit dry and coarse. Ed never could get past the corked elements, but the rest of us were able to enjoy it at least somewhat.
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10/26/2008 - Claudio161 wrote: 92 Points
Edward Roberts International Pre-Auction Tasting (Union League Club, Chicago, IL): Nose: Reall good initial presentation of fruits, if not somewhat muted; Black cherries especially; Brimming fruits and "new car" smells
Taste: Initial impression was simply "very nice". Noticed a large presence of vanillins. The fruits were very nice - darkest red fruits. Fruits were nicely integrated and balanced with the acid/tannins.
Overall: This was a very smooth wine and to be honest, I think it will be better in 5 years. 92 Points
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10/26/2008 - KeithAkers wrote: 91 Points
pre auction tasting (union league club, chicago IL): nose: great nose filled with dark red cherries, mint, cassis, and a touch of roasted herbs to round it out
taste: very elegant and smooth with rounded tones of dark red cherries, roasted herbs, mint, cassis, and a great underlying sour cranberry character that adds nicely to the wine
overall: This is very much on par with the Monty Estate from the same vintage. There is a bit more depth on the estate, but this is also a beautiful wine that is now in a great place. Has that Montelena elegance and it really looks like the 98 vintage is turning out to be much better then what was initially thought. There is a class among these wines and reminds us that with time and patience, that even a lump of coal will turn into a diamond
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10/26/2008 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
Edward Roberts International Pre-Auction Tasting (Union League Club of Chicago): Sampled at the Edward Roberts International Pre-Auction Tasting at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Maybe a little bit past its prime, it's still awesome juice.
Light dried fruit that's absolutely gorgeous and structured.
Turned off a bit by an overly sweet molasses sensation on the palate.
Long mouth filling and elegant finish. Beautiful acidity and really soft tannins.
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8/16/2008 - terroir wrote: 75 Points
Cork was very brittle and came apart....tried to filter...wine has long lost its fruit.
Hardley worth drinking.
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3/25/2008 - mohong wrote: 86 Points
tannins had softened nicely. very drinkable with flavors of cherry, licorice.
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3/2/2008 - tmoritz1 wrote: 93 Points
This wine has matured very nicely. Less fruit and more earthy flavors. Licorice and tobacco with a hint of dark fruit. Tannins have softened and blended well. Medium full consistency -Has another 3 to 5 years to go but is very good at this pont.
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3/1/2008 - MGL Wine wrote: 89 Points
very fruity, soft, easy to drink. Drinking well now.
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4/15/2007 - jmh st louis wrote: 88 Points
dark purple, raspberry nose, mod fruits with soft tannins. drank very well.
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2/5/2006 - agbailey wrote: 88 Points
Powerful dark fruits in a very dark wine. I didn't get alot of tannins in this one, though they may have been overpowered by the fruits. I have one more bottle which I will hold onto for a year to see how it evolves.
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12/27/2005 - dsutton wrote: 88 Points
Let this decant for 1 hour -- drank extremely well.
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