The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

Still very lively and vibrant at 15. Restrained but well structured, with a great balance of fruit. Savory notes are starting to come out more. Very long finish.

Magnum

Okay, just okay

Château Montelena 2003. This wine is in a perfect place right now! One hour decanting. My friends couldn't believe that we are drinking a 2003. Purple/dark red in color. Left Bank with a little California love. Rich full-bodied wine. Extraordinarily well balanced. Black cherry, Red licorice, dark sweet chocolate. Youthful... 15+ years. This from an 03' impressive!

Rather closed upon opening, even after decant. Put the scraps back on the bottle (no gas, no vacuum) and revisited (finished) 2 days later - wow, what a difference! Round, rich, chewy, full, excellent persistence....I clearly opened this (way) too soon.

Nice job Napa-town.

Decent cab in need of another 10-15 years of age.

Really nice cab...in balance, not too much oak or crazy fruit....

Balanced fruit and oak mellow tannins. Enjoyed with steak dinner.

Temperate vintage. Goldilocks vintage. 98% Cab Sauv, 2% Cab Franc, 22 months in 100% French oak of which 25% new. Purple flowers, just ripe red and black berries. Sweet spices, vanilla, pencil shavings. Elevated/high acidity, integrated soft tannins.