Well, that’s it for the year! Hard to believe it, but the last of the Monte Bello Collector Events is now behind us, at least for 2010. But what an event it was! I have to say, this was truly one of the more fascinating tastings I think we’ve offered, if for no other reason than that it was a rare opportunity to really and truly showcase the absolute full spectrum of just exactly what the Monte Bello is really capable of; we tasted it essentially brand-new (2009 Final Assemblage, straight from the barrel), in its “current release” form (2006, in the Tasting Room), at “middle age” (the 1995 vintage, from 750ml bottles), and at essentially optimum pourability (375ml bottles: 1988, 1990, 1992, & 1994 vintages); was just an extraordinary range of flavors and complexities; really a treat for the senses.
And it was a great crowd as well, comprised of Collector Newbies, and vintage Ridge-O-Philes, and of course Paul Draper and Eric Baugher were on hand, as well as other esteemed members of our production staff, including Karen Schmidt, Shun Ishikubo, and Caleb Mosley. And the Monte Bello Tasting Room Staff were in full glory, doing everything they do so well, and we were even joined by two of the Lytton Springs staffers, just to add to the personality flavor. All in all, a great group of wine lovers, on both sides of the bar!
Anyhow, enough of my verbal depictions, let’s let the pics do the depicting!
