2017 Montecillo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard, from vines planted in 1964, was picked on September 20, before the fires started in October of 2017. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has classic scents of black currants, milk chocolate, dried herbs, fresh tobacco leaf and a streak of graphite. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm, finely grained and restrained with good juiciness and a long, mineral-driven finish.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard shows all of the savory, feral qualities that are typical of this Sonoma site. The 2017 was far more expressive when I tasted it from barrel last year. That can happen with potent, structured mountain Cabernets. Rose petal, iron, red plum, menthol and licorice all build with a bit of time in the glass. Readers need to be patient here.
DuMol's 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard is dense, plush and explosive. Dark cherry, plum, leather, spice and tobacco are all given an extra kick of intensity. In 2017, the Montecillo is a bit more overt, especially in its fruit, and less savory than is often the case, but that is the vintage speaking. Even so, there is plenty of underlying structure.