Another pleasant surprise, the 1995 Monfortino is just entering its early peak of maturity. The hard contours have softened and the 1995 appears to be evolving along the lines of the 1988. The 1995 can be enjoyed today, but it also will age well for another 15+ years. Tonight, it is terrific. Tasted from magnum.
VM95May 2014
Dark ruby. Patience, patience. The 1995 reveals all of the classic Monfortino aromas of tar, licorice, and super-ripe fruit, with more evolved sensations of leather and truffles, though the wine is still incredibly shut down, revealing just the barest hint of the massive fruit that today is hiding behind an imposing wall of tannins. Will another five years of bottle age be enough to coax this wine’s personality out of its shell?
WA94January 2006