The 2017 Monte Bello is a towering triumph of California Cabernet Sauvignon. The final blend includes 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The colossal nose reads like a dictionary definition of young Monte Bello, with inky black fruits, fragrant dried herbs, treated leather and a refreshing, breezy lift that continuously bounds from the glass. The palate continues the immense heft and gravitas of the nose, with ample mid-palate richness buttressed by forceful, penetrating and vigorous tannins. The oak integration throughout is remarkable, its edges gently buffed rather than vigorously polished. Overall, this is an incredibly impressive, complex and multifaceted wine that should have no problem aging for five decades.

The 2017 Monte Bello is fully in the zone. You can pull the cork today without a single qualm or fear that you’re arriving at the party many years too early. The aromas and flavors have developed really nicely, and it’s in a beautiful spot for drinking. A more exotic, voluptuous, exuberant Monte Bello, it oozes with an array of spices and sweet black fruit, accented by toasted sugar, spearmint, cedar and crushed rocks. The tannins have laid down their swords and jumped in the pool with everyone else. Delicious.