It is tempting to give this wine an outstanding score because of its seductiveness. However, I do not think it possesses quite the level of extract and concentration to merit an exceptional rating. Nevertheless, it is an extremely pleasing style of claret. The deep ruby color is followed by an open-knit, black cherry, raspberry, and smoky...

97 Points!  The only current red Gran Reserva is the 1995 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva, the one that is produced exactly the same as before, including fining with egg whites and sealing with red wax. 1995 was an excellent and early harvest, the grapes achieved full ripeness and were harvested under the sun during two weeks starting O ...read more

96 Points! Philip Togni is one of California’s most foresighted winemakers, holding back a small amount of wine and releasing it at age ten. This year, small quantities of the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate were released, and, as I almost invariably do, I rated it higher than I did initially. It is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon that appar ...read more

97 Points!  The 1995 Monte Bello is powerful, bright and incisive. At twenty years of age, the 1995 retains gorgeous, refreshing acidity that gives the wine lift and energy. The 1995 is a brooding Monte Bello, with darker tonalities of fruit and accompanying notes of smoke, licorice, spice, menthol, tobacco and cedar. Although the 1995 is ...read more

94 Points!  Seavey has produced some exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons, and I predict the 1995 (950 cases) will be an unexpected winner in many blind tastings. It is performing even better this year than it did last, hence my elevated score. The color is an opaque purple. The wine displays a fantastic nose of classic black currants intermix ...read more

Full, deep red. Aromas of plum, currant, smoky oak and tar, plus a lightly vegetal note. Fresh but rather subdued; doesn't have the dimension of the '96. Sound acids and slightly tough tannins limit the appeal of this wine today.  Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media, November 1999