Wine Reviews

An elegant red, with delicate spice and graphite notes lacing the chopped cherry and black raspberry fruit. Light- to medium-bodied, offering fine, creamy tannins and good length on the herb-tinged finish

A sleek, elegant red, finely knit and harmonious, with a bright thread of citrus peel acidity and a fragrant skein of ground spices and incense winding through flavors of raspberry ganache and plumped cherry fruit. Reveals hints of loamy earth and wild sage, which add a savory edge that lingers on the finish.

Dusty dried violets and lavender give way to citrus-tinged blackberries as the remarkably pretty 2021 Montessu blossoms in the glass. This is a soft and savory effort with a core of dark red fruits and salty mineral tones that slowly saturate. The 2021 finishes impressively long and staining, leaving grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as hints of licorice fade. The Montessu is typically intended for early consumption, yet I’d recommend further cellaring to let all the pieces come together.

The 2020 Montessu is a total pleasure. Sweet violets, lavender and cloves accentuate a burst of black raspberries on the nose. This is silky and suave, with masses of ripe red and black fruits that flow across a core of brisk acidity. The 2020 maintains fabulous balance while finishing long and potent yet fresh with a hint of steeped plums that don’t quit. What a beauty.

Intense and rich nose of plums, blackcurrants, spices and dried herbs. Full-bodied, structured and dense, with juicy acidity and velvety tannins. Nicely filled with dark fruit. Drink or hold.