Chateau Montelena
The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Bright, dark red with ruby tones. Captivating floral lift to the very primary aromas of black cherry, cassis, minerals and earth, plus subtle notes of coffee and mocha. Tactile and sharply delineated, delivering a wonderful balance of sweet fruit and salty mineral and soil elements. Still linear but not at all angular, this penetrating wine finishes firmly tannic, classically dry, subtle and very long, with echoing mineral complexity. Really complete Cabernet here--and stuffed with flavor. (the estate began using a new Delta destemmer as of 2001) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, June 2020)
Bright, dark red with ruby tones. Captivating floral lift to the very primary aromas of black cherry, cassis, minerals and earth, plus subtle notes of coffee and mocha. Tactile and sharply delineated, delivering a wonderful balance of sweet fruit and salty mineral and soil elements. Still linear but not at all angular, this penetrating wine finishes firmly tannic, classically dry, subtle and very long, with echoing mineral complexity. Really complete Cabernet here--and stuffed with flavor. (the estate began using a new Delta destemmer as of 2001) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, June 2020)
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?
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?
1 person found it helpfulDec 26th, 2015
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.
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.
Jan 8th, 2017
I called CURRENT vintage. 15 years. Gorgeous, structured, rich, and full of things to say.
I called CURRENT vintage. 15 years. Gorgeous, structured, rich, and full of things to say.
Aug 18th, 2016
Bright, fresh, tons of life left in it. Great fruit, crisp acid, silky tannins. Yum!
Bright, fresh, tons of life left in it. Great fruit, crisp acid, silky tannins. Yum!
Mar 6th, 2015
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.
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.
Nov 28th, 2014
Magnum. Young but balanced. Needs 10 years. Sweet tobacco leaf. A bit over extracted and jammy. Where are the Montelenas of yesteryear?
Magnum. Young but balanced. Needs 10 years. Sweet tobacco leaf. A bit over extracted and jammy. Where are the Montelenas of yesteryear?
Feb 23rd, 2013
Such a treat to drink a 15 year old wine that is still so delicious. Blackberry..cedar..leather..molasses..pencil lead...Tannins are totally integrated....Love Chateau Montelena!!
Such a treat to drink a 15 year old wine that is still so delicious. Blackberry..cedar..leather..molasses..pencil lead...Tannins are totally integrated....Love Chateau Montelena!!
Jan 6th, 2017
Was apprehensive opening this wine based on WS 69 point rating. No bricking, on our bottle, the nose very Bordeaux like with cassis, cedar a hint of scorched earth, the palette is soft smooth with black fruit, cedar leather, spice, with a hint of earth. Finish medium plus. QPR is exceptional if lean towards Bordeaux style! Paired wonderfully with a peppered beef stroganoff soup, asked if we could do it again tomorrow.
Was apprehensive opening this wine based on WS 69 point rating. No bricking, on our bottle, the nose very Bordeaux like with cassis, cedar a hint of scorched earth, the palette is soft smooth with black fruit, cedar leather, spice, with a hint of earth. Finish medium plus. QPR is exceptional if lean towards Bordeaux style! Paired wonderfully with a peppered beef stroganoff soup, asked if we could do it again tomorrow.
Apr 8th, 2016