First Monte Bello Experience + Gigondas

Still new to a broader wine journey. Most experience has been California (Paso, Santa Barbara, Napa) since it is local. I've enjoyed Ridge tastings in the past and have always wanted to try a Monte Bello. Local restaurant had the 1997 half bottle so gave it a go. I was surprised by the amount of fruit still present for an almost 30 year old wine – thought perhaps with a wine famous for aging so well, I should not have been. Deep purple fruits on the nose and palette. Plush, velvety integrated tannins. Finished more savory with some tobacco and cedar. A very long, lush finish. A top wine in my journey so far for sure. (apologies for the tasting notes, still a work in progress)

Continued the meal (braised lamb) with a 2016 Domaine des Bosquets "La Colline" Gigondas. Very different experience than the Monte Bello of course. Nose was ripe red fruit, strawberry, floral. Palette was richer red/purple fruits, spice, and some earth. Well integrated. Not as long a finish but still lovely. This was only my second Gigondas, having only had the Kirkland Gigondas which we enjoyed for the value.