TN: 2003 Monte Bello first assemblage

[califusa]

2003 Petite Verdot Monte Bello Olivos block barrel sample – lovely dusty and plummy fruit in the nose and I can see why Mr. Draper was so excited about the addition of these lots to the assemblage. There are hints of a floral perfume in the nose that come across even more noticeably on the palate, which also echoes the fruits found in the nose. The wine is simultaneously accessible and well structured, offering a certain suppleness at entry, which is quite lovely – but a good backbone of acid and tannin – and somewhat unevolved but lovely varietal flavors.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello Steep Terrace block barrel sample – somewhat reticent in the nose, but showing an interesting herbal quality that I do not often find in Cabernet from this property. It is more like a background garrigue-like note rather than a strict herbal or green olive component that sits on the top of the aromas. Mmmmm – in the mouth the wine is absolutely delicious with an immediate and friendly entry of sweet and ripe Cabernet berry flavors. The flavors cover the palate and linger despite the moderate but smooth tannins in this sample. Very, very pretty.

2003 Merlot Monte Bello Point block barrel sample – very interesting aromas, showing as much perfume as fruit – ripe and sweet in the mouth, but showing more in the way of ripeness and structure than actual fruit flavors, which seem to be sitting in the background today.

2003 Monte Bello first assemblage – 89% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Merlot 4% Petite Verdot – a more interesting and complex aromatic profile (as one might expect) than any of the three components. What shines through for me are the perfect ripeness of the fruit and the unmistakable minerality of the site. Sweet and pretty in the mouth, this wine is an encouraging indicator of the quality of the vintage for Monte Bello.

[Gavin Trott]

2003 Petite Verdot Monte Bello Olivos block barrel sample – lovely dusty and plummy fruit in the nose and I can see why Mr. Draper was so excited about the addition of these lots to the assemblage. There are hints of a floral perfume in the nose that come across even more noticeably on the palate, which also echoes the fruits found in the nose. The wine is simultaneously accessible and well structured, offering a certain suppleness at entry, which is quite lovely – but a good backbone of acid and tannin – and somewhat unevolved but lovely varietal flavors.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello Steep Terrace block barrel sample – somewhat reticent in the nose, but showing an interesting herbal quality that I do not often find in Cabernet from this property. It is more like a background garrigue-like note rather than a strict herbal or green olive component that sits on the top of the aromas. Mmmmm – in the mouth the wine is absolutely delicious with an immediate and friendly entry of sweet and ripe Cabernet berry flavors. The flavors cover the palate and linger despite the moderate but smooth tannins in this sample. Very, very pretty.

2003 Merlot Monte Bello Point block barrel sample – very interesting aromas, showing as much perfume as fruit – ripe and sweet in the mouth, but showing more in the way of ripeness and structure than actual fruit flavors, which seem to be sitting in the background today.

2003 Monte Bello first assemblage – 89% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Merlot 4% Petite Verdot – a more interesting and complex aromatic profile (as one might expect) than any of the three components. What shines through for me are the perfect ripeness of the fruit and the unmistakable minerality of the site. Sweet and pretty in the mouth, this wine is an encouraging indicator of the quality of the vintage for Monte Bello.

Thanks,

Found this interesting. We do not get many US wines here in Australia, more's the pity, and what we do get can be expensive.

Ridge is available here in small amounts though, and I've enjoyed their Zins before.

[califusa]

Thank you, Gavin -

I thought this might be of interest since some Ridge wines do reach your market.

I assure you, US wines are far too expensive for us, as well!

[GraemeG]

I've seen Monte Bello at Ultimo Cellars priced in the mid-$200s from memory. That is expensive by any measure - although I suspect it's reasonable compared to the prices some of the cult wines sell for. Never tasted it myself. I have seen their regular Santa Cruz cabernet for around $80, and in fact still have one bottle of the 96 in my cellar. A previous bottle was very good indeed and rather whetted my appetite for the MB. One day, perhaps...

cheers,
Graeme

[califusa]

Graeme -

Monte Bello is available on a futures basis from the winery for $65 US, which makes it a bit pricey, but not unreasonable in the context of the best American Cabernet based wines. This is a wine I am very fond of, so I permit myself the indulgence.

The Geyserville and Lytton Springs, both Zinfandel based wines, offer tremendous pleasure for less than half the price. They are great wines by any standard. I suspect a bit reaches the Australian market.

If you travel to Napa, please let me know. It would be a pleasure to enjoy a bottle of Monte Bello with you.

[MartinC]

Hi Cali,
I've some '96 and fr my understanding it's their best vintage of the decade. Lowest yield with 40% selection. What's ur opinion?
I heard '99 was outstanding too but I need ur advise before I take a plunge.
Thanks,

[califusa]

Martin -

The 96 was a fine MB, indeed - but it has a tough task to eclipse the 91, which I believe is the finest MB since the sublime 84. The 96 will not disappoint you, of course, but the 91 has it all - balance, fruit, structure and appeal - everything needed to make a world-class wine. The 96 is still a bit too young for me to evaluate.

I believe that the most common error is to drink, or to judge this particular wine too young. The 84 is in its prime window now, the 85 still a year or two away. The 89, generally thought to be a "lesser" vintage, is drinking wonderfully. None of the vintages from the 90s are ready to drink (in my questionably humble opinion). I am probably in the minority regarding prime age for drinking, but properly aged Monte Bello is one of the great wines of the world, and I hate to see young bottles squandered.

Thank you all for your welcome. I'll try to not bore you with wines that don't reach your market.

[Gavin Trott]

Thank you all for your welcome. I'll try to not bore you with wines that don't reach your market.

Sometimes its good for us to hear about wines other than Australian wines!

i for one enjoy reading about them!