1 | Wine | California, 2009, 375 ml

"Dark plum color with a hue of crimson red. An opulent bouquet of blackberry, red currant, plum and dark cherry fruit emerge from the glass. Black currant, cherry and spice intertwine for an exceptionally balanced palate. Smooth tannins help build depth on the back palate for a lengthy finish, rich with creamy vanilla and blackberry."

"Bright red. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, cinnamon, minerals and potpourri; smells like there are stems here but Kathy Joseph says no. Precise and vibrant on the palate, with good nervy cut to its intense flavors of candied red berries and spicecake. Still youthfully taut and bound-up but shows excellent potential. Turns more floral with air, finishing with tangy grip and a lingering hint of Asian spices. This pinot shows impressive vivacity for its warm vintage."

This wine was named #94 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Taut and structured, with cedar-laced currant, dark berry and dried berry notes joining a mix of minerally fresh earth and tobacco flavors, offering a wide range of tight-knit fruit overall. Firmly tannic on the finish, yet the ripe purity pushes through. True to form Monte Bello in a classic style."

"This wine displays all of the benefits of slow, even ripening during a mild growing season. Though there is fullness and a lush character to this Merlot, there is also restraint and elegance. Promising aromas of cherry, red plum, raspberry, and dried herbs lead to a clean fresh entry with impeccably balanced acidity supporting intense red fruit flavors of cranberry, plum and raspberry. Round, supple tannins provide an enticing framework for the flavors and contribute to a lingering finish."