Chateau Montelena
The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
93+
Opened for a quarterly BNO (theme was Cali cabs pre-2016 and Alsatian whites) alongside a 2012 Gustave Lorentz Grand Cru Kanzlerberg Pinot Gris.
My last of three bottles, and all three showed a bit of variation. The second bottle I opened up in Jan of this year was a bit more powerful and leaned toward the darker fruit spectrum whereas this one was very much classical and pure red-fruit driven.
Pulled the cork two hours before consuming. Everything about this wine spoke to a classical style of Cali cab before ripeness got pushed to the limit. Most people agreed this wine showed a good bit of youth. Aromatics of dark cherries, raspberries, red/purple potpourri, hint of graphite. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with ripe red fruits, some herbs and earthiness and a fantastic spine of acidity running through. Even after two hours of being open and consumed over the next 2-3hrs, the tannin at the finish was grippy and paired well with a rich short rib. My friend next to me brought an ‘05 Stag’s Leap Cellars SLV which showed more French in style while also being very much in the “not getting better” territory.
I had a full glass worth to follow the next day and it was beautifully integrated a touch more. If this bottle is as the norm, I’d say it has a couple more years in this lovely window before turning more tertiary.
93+
Opened for a quarterly BNO (theme was Cali cabs pre-2016 and Alsatian whites) alongside a 2012 Gustave Lorentz Grand Cru Kanzlerberg Pinot Gris.
My last of three bottles, and all three showed a bit of variation. The second bottle I opened up in Jan of this year was a bit more powerful and leaned toward the darker fruit spectrum whereas this one was very much classical and pure red-fruit driven.
Pulled the cork two hours before consuming. Everything about this wine spoke to a classical style of Cali cab before ripeness got pushed to the limit. Most people agreed this wine showed a good bit of youth. Aromatics of dark cherries, raspberries, red/purple potpourri, hint of graphite. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with ripe red fruits, some herbs and earthiness and a fantastic spine of acidity running through. Even after two hours of being open and consumed over the next 2-3hrs, the tannin at the finish was grippy and paired well with a rich short rib. My friend next to me brought an ‘05 Stag’s Leap Cellars SLV which showed more French in style while also being very much in the “not getting better” territory.
I had a full glass worth to follow the next day and it was beautifully integrated a touch more. If this bottle is as the norm, I’d say it has a couple more years in this lovely window before turning more tertiary.
Cherry liquor, cocoa, leathery, dark fruit tannins, sweet berry finish.
Cherry liquor, cocoa, leathery, dark fruit tannins, sweet berry finish.
Dec 23rd, 2019
Tremendous wine! Big, bold , Luscious, velvety tannins. Great acid balance. Enjoy this one with steak.
Tremendous wine! Big, bold , Luscious, velvety tannins. Great acid balance. Enjoy this one with steak.
1 person found it helpfulDec 12th, 2014
Second of the night. Cooked blackberry, pencil lead, cedar.
Second of the night. Cooked blackberry, pencil lead, cedar.
Jun 17th, 2017
Tight with a good core but too young to drink now.
Tight with a good core but too young to drink now.
Sep 29th, 2013Great dark blackberry and a touch of licorice. Tannins have dropped off quite a bit still a little age ability left.
Great dark blackberry and a touch of licorice. Tannins have dropped off quite a bit still a little age ability left.
Aug 9th, 2013
2005 Chateau Montelena CS Calistoga AVA 14.2% ABV linear sinewy structure gamey notes still a pup
2005 Chateau Montelena CS Calistoga AVA 14.2% ABV linear sinewy structure gamey notes still a pup
Jun 15th, 2013
Classic, delicious Napa cab sauv with braised short ribs during winter break in Santa Barbara.
Classic, delicious Napa cab sauv with braised short ribs during winter break in Santa Barbara.
Jan 8th, 2013
2005 vintage. Good fill and cork. Decanted with the requisite amount of chunky sed this producer throws for their aged cabs. Tasted after 30 mins. A little hot. Tasted nuts. Saline. Baking chocolate. Medium/medium-heavy body. Excellent color and intensity. Lean flavors yet bigger body than you taste through/past. 12 more years at this level-easy. Not improving but no rush. 6.14.24.
2005 vintage. Good fill and cork. Decanted with the requisite amount of chunky sed this producer throws for their aged cabs. Tasted after 30 mins. A little hot. Tasted nuts. Saline. Baking chocolate. Medium/medium-heavy body. Excellent color and intensity. Lean flavors yet bigger body than you taste through/past. 12 more years at this level-easy. Not improving but no rush. 6.14.24.
Jun 16th, 2024
Consumed on Jade lake on the Montelena property. Absolutely singing!
Consumed on Jade lake on the Montelena property. Absolutely singing!
Aug 23rd, 2021