(70% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc) Deep ruby. Explosively perfumed nose offers a profound bouquet of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, yellow rose, Asian spices and vanilla bean; you could use this for incense. Deep and sweet but remarkably precise, offering powerful dark berry and kirsch flavors supported by substantial, velvety tannins. The fruit plows through the finish with superb energy, depth and clarity, fully absorbing the tannins. A big but wonderfully balanced example of Monte Bello, and sure to reward extended cellaring.

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Rich and and slightly pruney with particularly ripe tannins. This clearly needs time but it’s very impressive, in an autumnal, briary way, yet it’s racy and muscular. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc – a relatively high proportion of Petit Verdot.

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Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2005 Monte Bello should be one of the all-time greats made at this estate. It offers a dense purple color, an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, creme de cassis, black fruits, and a hint of oak. It also has an unctuous texture. As with all rich wines, the oak component plays a complementary role in the wine's nuances. A seamless integration of acidity, wood, tannin, and alcohol is found in this rich, elegant, pure, dense beauty. There is a certain accessibility to the 2005 that is unusual by Monte BelloâÂ?Â?s standards, and it will age effortlessly for 25+a years.

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Bordeaux-like in its structure and flavor profile. Tightly wound, firm and compact, with dried currant, sage, mineral and hints of cedar and leather, fanning out on the finish, where the flavors are juicy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

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