2 times Ridge Montebello 1978

2005 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, a bit closed, some vanilla over dark fruits, blackcurrants and lquorice whit hints of sweet morellos. Elegant, but keeps beeing closed, does not show all. Elegant structure, best guess. 86


1978 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains;
Pale ruby, orange rim, very dry, almost austere and raisins. Then some dried fruits and prunes, a bit tired, fresh acidity and tannins gone, hangs on for it's bare life. Not too bad finish. 84


1978 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains;
Ruby with orange rim, great fresh acidity, beautifull structure, tannins gone, very complex, raisins, prunes, some earthy tones, minerals, very elegant and balanced, even some vanilla in the back, coffee and cigars. Very long finish. 95

The two bottles have been lying next to each other in the same cellar all their life, and they were drunk side by side. This goes to show that there are only good bottles, not wines at 30 years of age. Fantastic experience. Unfortunatelly I did not get to see their fill as they were decanted. Colour was not that differenet!