The Montelena Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Purple tawny, almost opaque. Herbal nose. Dark fruits, ripe plums, cedar, some dark soil, some menthol. Starts out a bit harsh and tannic, tight. Needs several hours of air to open up. Good now but likely needs another 5 years of slumber to gain more complexity and shed some edges.

Perfection In winemaking..... the magnum offered the perfect vessel to deliver a truly amazing experience.....

Less classic style than the 80’s to mid 90’s Montelena but still loads more balance and nuance than most modern North Coast Cabs.

Too young...has a lot to give yet. Has kept its dark color, aromas of overwhelming blackberry, eucalyptus, leather, pencil lead and matchstick. Almost intoxicating - very impressive in the least. Blackberry, plum, blueberry in the mouth with dried herbs, touch of sriracha sauce, cedar and a full force of drying tannins. Maybe needs another 10 years?

01' Château Montelena Cabernet. One of my favorite vintages they've ever made! It easily has another 10+ years in it. @Greg Ballington thanks for bringing this over last night. It was great to see the three of you.

Open for 2 hours and it is delicious. Deep garnet red. Layered nose with red fruits with some tertiary notes on both plate and nose. Like mushrooms, and truffles. Moderate tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Some as the nose. Love it, with some solid minerality down the midpalate. Dry long finish. Drink till 2027.

I called CURRENT vintage. 15 years. Gorgeous, structured, rich, and full of things to say.

Bright, fresh, tons of life left in it. Great fruit, crisp acid, silky tannins. Yum!

I just want to bathe in the smell of this wine. Beautifully supple on the palate, tannins totally resolved, and deep deep black fruit. Drink up, I doubt this is gonna get any better.

Magnum. Young but balanced. Needs 10 years. Sweet tobacco leaf. A bit over extracted and jammy. Where are the Montelenas of yesteryear?