Rare MAGNUM (1.5L bottle) of one of California's original Classic Cabernets!98 Points Antonio Galloni: "The 2012 Monte Bello is one of the most harmonious young Monte Bellos I can remember tasting. Seamless and voluptuous through to the finish, the 2012 is showing beautifully today. Raspberry jam, pomegranate, white flowers, mint and spices are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. A wine with a distinctly red-hued profile, silky tannins, no hard edges and exceptional overall balance, the 2012 Monte Bello is simply magnificent. The 2012 is racy but also impeccably balanced throughout, with shades of the 2001 that come through from time to time. I won't be surprised if the 2013 and 2014 both eventually surpass it, but there is no denying that the 2012 is simply stunning today. This is one of the best showings yet for the 2012." Judgment of Paris Winner: On May 24, 2006, a 30 year re-enactment of the Judgment of Paris was organized, this time with simultaneous tastings in London and in Napa at Copia. Paralleling the 1976 event, nine expert tasters at each location judged the original red wines, now over thirty years old. The winning wine in both the US and UK was the Ridge Monte Bello 1971. The Monte Bello vineyard was first planted back in 1886, but was essentially abandoned after Prohibition. It was replanted in 1949, and has been the source of one of Ridge's best known wines since it was first made in 1962.
Shay A
Monthly WTF wine group night. Our theme was American oak vs French oak. All wines tasted blind. We started off with two bottles of bubbly and finished with two non-themed reds. One of my favorites of the night, and still improving. Everything about this was classic and balanced. Not overtly American oak driven but there is definitely a cooled coconut note with espresso on the nose. Dusty. Sweet tannins with juicy blackberries and underripe blueberries highlight the finish. Enjoyable now if you give it 1-2hrs in the decanter, but better in 5yrs. Thanks @Mark Flesher
Monthly WTF wine group night. Our theme was American oak vs French oak. All wines tasted blind. We started off with two bottles of bubbly and finished with two non-themed reds. One of my favorites of the night, and still improving. Everything about this was classic and balanced. Not overtly American oak driven but there is definitely a cooled coconut note with espresso on the nose. Dusty. Sweet tannins with juicy blackberries and underripe blueberries highlight the finish. Enjoyable now if you give it 1-2hrs in the decanter, but better in 5yrs. Thanks @Mark Flesher
9.3Rebecca Fletcher
Wow! Black cherry, dark fruit, pepper, exotic spice, floral and even somewhat savory. Tannin and acid in balance. One of the best cabs you can buy especially at only $50 2012 vintage
Wow! Black cherry, dark fruit, pepper, exotic spice, floral and even somewhat savory. Tannin and acid in balance. One of the best cabs you can buy especially at only $50 2012 vintage
9.8Spencer Dodd
Truly kingly.
Truly kingly.
9.5Robert Stackowiak
76 percent Cab, 24% Merlot. Lots of cherry. Smooth Tannins due to blend and age. Great with steak. June 2020.
76 percent Cab, 24% Merlot. Lots of cherry. Smooth Tannins due to blend and age. Great with steak. June 2020.
9.1kevin thalmann
2012 vintage. Drinking nice now, rich, delicious dark fruit, soft tannins. Great wine from the Monte Bello vineyard, and an incredible value considering where the other fruit goes.
2012 vintage. Drinking nice now, rich, delicious dark fruit, soft tannins. Great wine from the Monte Bello vineyard, and an incredible value considering where the other fruit goes.
9.3J Chisholm
Old school Cali cab still got it
Old school Cali cab still got it
9.2Zachary Hauge
It's no '97...but it's pretty good.
It's no '97...but it's pretty good.
8.7Spencer Dodd
Glorious
Glorious
WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.