($100, The Rare Wine Company): From a higher perch with rockier soil, the Moncerbal comes across as more of a ‘mountain’ wine than the San Martín.  Cherry-like flavors fight through firm, pure minerality.  Its hard edge, apparent at this stage, needs time to soften and allow its true complexity to shine.  Judging from a glorious and beautifully developed 2001 Moncerbal tasted at this same time, I would cellar this wine for at least another five years.  This wine and the San Martín offer dramatic example of the importance of vineyard site even in this small area.
91 Michael Apstein Aug 28, 2007