Deceptively light in color, this well-balanced wine delivers aromas and flavors on a big scale. A fine cherry, floral, smoke and anise bouquet pulls you in; the smooth texture and cherry-licorice-chalk flavor profile follow through with great style. Finishes full with smoky notes and dry, even tannins. Drink now through 2005.
— M.M.
(11/1/2001)
Montinore has just begun releasing single-vineyard Pinots, and the results so far are promising. This wine sports elegant cherry fruit, soft tannins and a sensuous, feminine style. Smooth and well-built, it descends into a tight tannic finish that suggests needing some additional time in the cellar.
— P.G.
(12/31/2001)
This has immediate appeal, with its jammy, strawberry-cherry nose leading into a ripe, firm wine, set up with crisp acids and stiff tannins. A nice whiff of coffee highlights the somewhat rough, woody finish.
— P.G.
(12/31/2001)
Montinore’s best single-vineyard Pinot shows elegant flavors of black cherry and plum, softly woven into a smooth, sensuous wine. Good purity and persistence, and a fine, silky finish. Not as robust as the ’99, but delicious. —P.G.
— P.G.
(12/31/2002)
Melon and citrus aromas get this soft, ripe and round wine going. The palate is full and plump, with bold citrus and tropical flavors and a welcome textural creaminess. The finish is smooth and supple, and as a whole this wine covers all the bases while showing itself to be a more than capable food accompaniment.
— M.S.
(8/1/2003)
Nice effort, with just the faintest hint of blush to the color. It has pretty pear aromas, and it feels substantial in the mouth, but neither hot nor heavy. Pear fruit flavors are accented with hints of Meyer lemon.
— P.G.
(12/1/2003)
A nice follow-up to the excellent 2003, this is dry, varietal and beautifully perfumed with classic sweet floral notes. Good concentration and length; it doesn’t get so over-the-top it’s like swallowing perfume, but it captures that aspect of the grape nicely, with lingering richness.
— P.G.
(11/15/2005)
Lots of lemon rind, lime rind and gin flavors mark this exceptionally spicy Gewürztraminer. It has a flurry of botanical notes, finishing quite tart and dry. A wine for acid heads.
— P.G.
(10/1/2011)