Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Monthly WTF wine group night. Our theme was American oak vs French oak. All wines tasted blind. We started off with two bottles of bubbly and finished with two non-themed reds.

This one was a head scratcher. I actually don’t know if I’ve had Montelena’s non-Estate Cab, but still, I was surprised at how it was showing. Smelled rubbery (which always takes me to South Africa); green pepper notes with added currant and juicy black cherries. It was unique. I called this South African Cabernet with French oak.

2008, the eastern Napa Cabs have a super youthful fruit tannin nose (ie crayon) needs some time to open

Much more restrained style than I expected from a northern Napa Cabernet. Somewhat French stylistically.

Drank the other bottle we had and was sooo good, we bought another to hold on to! Hope we won't cave in and open it-great cab right here...can oy imagine how delicious the older vintages are.

Tasting notes from the Judgement of Paris anniversary event at Cadillac Wines...
This is almost as light as their zin. Very Bordeaux like (which was their goal). At 10 years old, this wine could still go another 15+ no problem. Fruits should stay strong for a while.

Bold flavors from this excellent wine, that may have been just a little bit past its prime. But a fantastic accompaniment to the Prime stakes we shared at Hanna‘s for for the birthdays of our friends the Swanson and the Bailey‘s. #napacabs #napavalleyred #chateaumontalena

2008 vintage drinking in 2020 from a historic storied winery! Purple in the glass with smooth and mellowed tannins. Vanilla, cherry, blackberry. Well balanced and does not feel high in alcohol even with 13% alcohol…

Drinks like lighter version of a Napa Cab - French style - but rich enough with very smooth finish. Tobacco, tart cherry, leather notes

After tasting you just want to offer unprompted Thank You's

With a dry-aged ny strip, perhaps the perfect meal. This would be even better aged s few years.