Full deep ruby to the rim. Vibrant aromas of blackcurrant, espresso, bitter chocolate, animal fur and smoky oak. Tight and rather ungiving today, and not yet showing much flavor development. Comes across as quite austere due to its strong acids and slightly tough tannins. Has intensity, but will this wine ever truly blossom in bottle? Reminded me of a lot of old Bordeaux that showed fascinating aromas but never quite delivered in the middle palate. Draper has defended this wine from the outset, but I've never yet been convinced.

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Inky and subtle and juicy but not really ready. Very neat and well mannered and polite. Some spearmint on the nose and great density on the palate – not unlike a 2000 bordeaux. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and most of the rest Merlot.

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The 1995 Monte Bello is actually a Proprietary Red Wine as the blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. It was made from an extremely severe selection of only 25% of the harvest. Paul Draper feels it is the biggest, brawniest, and most muscular Monte Bello of the 1990s, and in need of 10-15 more years of cellaring. This saturated ruby/purple-colored effort is still backward, with a closed nose of minerals, oak, and subtle black fruits. In the mouth, it is large-scaled, tannic, rich, and long, but nearly abrasive because of the wine's high tannin level. This youthful, muscular, monster Monte Bello will require significant cellaring.

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Classic Boreaux fruit framed by classic Bordeaux chalkiness. Still grip to the tannins and a bit disjointed. Fruit is showing but there is still a bit of harshness to the overall flavor. Nice long finish. Yet still does not feel like it has all come together.