Di Costanzo Montecillo Vineyard Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (750ML)

95 Points, Ana Carolina Quintela, Decanter: "The 2023 vintage, a cool year, presented challenges to Montecillo. Picked in the second week of October (late for this site) winemaker Massimo Di Costanzo noted that extraction was more difficult than usual. The wine spent 22 days on skins, as the fruit needed extra time and attention in the fermenter. The skins felt “tighter,” possibly a result of the slow, cool growing season and fruit that hadn’t had quite enough hang time by harvest. Tasted from barrel, the wine exhibits the site’s signature lift, albeit in a more restrained expression this year. There’s structure, from great acidity and firm tannins giving shape to aromas of violets, currants, and dried herbs, with a woodsy edge from time in oak. On the palate, tart plum and red fruit lead into a subtle touch of minerality through the finish." 06/25

94-96 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Di Costanzo is getting a bit more tonnage from this Sonoma site than previously, so there should be 11 barrels (four new) of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard. Classic cassis and blackberry aromas mark the nose, joined by hints of cinnamon and barely perceptible pencil shavings. It's medium to full-bodied (around 14.4% alcohol, according to Massimo), rich, concentrated and velvety. Yes, it will need a bit of time, as it's so primary and tannic, but this should be a beauty." 02/25

94-96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard is packed with the essence of black fruit, espresso, bittersweet chocolate, gravel, incense, licorice and scorched earth. A virile, explosive Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 packs a tremendous punch. Pretty floral and savory notes emerge on the close. The Montecillo tannins are incredibly well integrated for such a young wine. In a word, magnificent. (Drink between 2025-2032)" 12/24