1 | Wine | 2009, 375 ml | Page 4

"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."

"The 2009 Gewurztraminer Reserve "Late Harvest Cluster Select" is quite sweet, laced with apricot and peach notes, and lots of sugar. With a little air, there was finally a little acidity noticeable, but the wine did flatten pretty fast and thin. This is hard to resist on some levels, but it could use a bit more focus and penetration. While these always have the potential to age, considering what they are and what they are intended to be, I like to be conservative in drinking windows as I find they often show best young."

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."

"Saturated ruby. Rich and smoky on the nose, with powerful aromas of ripe cherry and mocha, along with a hint of espresso. Fleshy and round, with ripe cherry and dark berry flavors and a hint of cracked pepper. Finishes with a velvety, smooth texture and a touch of lingering bitterness."

"Bright red. High-pitched aromas of strawberry and raspberry, with complicating notes of dried rose and Asian spices. Lively and precise on the palate, with gently sweet red fruit flavors and a touch of rose pastille. The floral and spice notes repeat on the gripping, persistent finish."