Wine Enthusiast Scores Wines from the Monte Bello Estate

Wine Enthusiast

June 2024

We’re pleased to report new scores from Wine Enthusiast, focusing on wines from our Monte Bello Estate. This year, we have top ratings with distinction in every form: Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel! Read on to find your cellar’s next addition.

2021 Monte Bello | 97 points + Cellar Selection

“This ageworthy classic is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this vintage. The nose offers focused aromas of blackberry, toasted herb and light caramel with a hint of cocoa dust. The firm, leathery palate feels like it will last forever, as waves of berry, herb, pepper, clove and pencil shavings flow on. Drink now-2045.” — Matt Kettmann

2022 Estate Chardonnay | 94 points + Editor’s Choice

“This legendary winery deserves constant props for being a leader in listing ingredients on wine labels. The wine’s great too, starting with tightly wound aromas of chiseled blocks of fine-grained wood plus Meyer lemon and flinty melon. The palate is stony and focused on a fine sandalwood spice, with lemon peel adding acidic balance.” — Matt Kettmann

2021 Jimsomare Zinfandel | 93 points + Editor’s Choice

“From a very old, some say 19th century vineyard, this bottling reflects the wild hillsides where it grows, showing aromas of sagebrush, chaparral, oregano and bay leaf alongside the blackberry core. The palate balances charred black cherry, coffee bean, herb and licorice flavors.” — Matt Kettmann

About Monte Bello

The Monte Bello vineyard, located only 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California’s coolest cabernet producing area. The Monte Bello vineyard ranges in elevation from 1300′ to 2700′ above sea level and is composed of unique green stone and clay soils layered over decomposing limestone. It is our practice to let this unique vineyard site create the wine rather than try to steer it toward a particular style in the cellar. We accomplish this through a combination of natural, low-tech, hands-off winemaking techniques.