The deep, dark red color and richly ripe fruit and berry aromas tell you just how fine the grapes got in this wonderful vintage. The essence of plums and blackberries jumps out of the glass. Full and rich; those who think Monterey can’t ripen a Bordeaux varietal just might be surprised. Yes, it’s a little soft, and don’t look for rich, complex tannins like you find…
— S.H.
(5/1/2001)
A bouquet as inviting as a fancy dessert suggests fresh apricots topped with caramel sauce and dusted with confectioner’s sugar. It’s extremely sweet and fruity, with luscious flavors and a thick texture. Delicious, but a bit more acidity would add even more character and appeal.
— W.E.
(8/1/2001)
A tart-sweet fruit, smoke and dried spice bouquet opens this French-inspired Californian. Herb and bramble notes accent roasted red-berry flavors, as does an appealing, Rhônish smoked meatiness. An espresso-and- spice-rub finish with slight herb-metallic notes reinforces this Monterey offering’s Gallic profile. Very drinkable, it should be even better in two years.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
A fresh, fruity wine. A little soft but full of juicy flavors of lemon, lime, peach and pear, with flowery, honeyed notes. It’s pleasant rather than complex, an everyday picnic-sort-of-wine.
— S.H.
(5/1/2001)