Chateau Montelena

Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

9.1765 ratings
9.152 pro ratings
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Severn Goodwin

Nose has ripe plum, under-ripe raspberry, damp garden soil, orange zest (?), black licorice, toasted vanilla bean, wet peppercorn in bouquet garni and minor alcohol heat.

Palate has dried plum, tobacco, dried black currant, dried black cherry, minor dark chocolate, dried strawberry, light cedar & oak notes. Medium tannins, still needs time. Future bottles may be 2026+, in proper storage.

Corked pulled 5h rest, 2h decant.

Paired exceptionally with a 3-day marinated tri-tip (for two, small cut), expertly grilled. Beef from our total go-to purveyor of the best meats to be had, Kinderhook Farm in Valatie, NY. Loving environment = Tasty, seriously.

Nose has ripe plum, under-ripe raspberry, damp garden soil, orange zest (?), black licorice, toasted vanilla bean, wet peppercorn in bouquet garni and minor alcohol heat.

Palate has dried plum, tobacco, dried black currant, dried black cherry, minor dark chocolate, dried strawberry, light cedar & oak notes. Medium tannins, still needs time. Future bottles may be 2026+, in proper storage.

Corked pulled 5h rest, 2h decant.

Paired exceptionally with a 3-day marinated tri-tip (for two, small cut), expertly grilled. Beef from our total go-to purveyor of the best meats to be had, Kinderhook Farm in Valatie, NY. Loving environment = Tasty, seriously.

Aug 9th, 2020
Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.0

Lighter bodied, restrained style, but a bit foursquare. Could use several more years.

Lighter bodied, restrained style, but a bit foursquare. Could use several more years.

Jul 5th, 2018
Jake Hajer

Clean and light on the pallet but funky on the nose. Good juice.

Clean and light on the pallet but funky on the nose. Good juice.

Dec 14th, 2017
Eric

A bit tight on the open. Slightly blue. Opened up a bit after an hour. Wine can only be as enjoyable as the company you keep while drinking it. True?

A bit tight on the open. Slightly blue. Opened up a bit after an hour. Wine can only be as enjoyable as the company you keep while drinking it. True?

Aug 5th, 2017
Maxwell Burns

Hospitality Kenwood Vineyards, Winemaker GARA

9.2

It's like everything you'd think but darker, and leaner on the finish with a hint of funky earth.

It's like everything you'd think but darker, and leaner on the finish with a hint of funky earth.

Jul 26th, 2017
James K

Good fruit, but lighter bodied than expected. Smooth, but short finish.

Good fruit, but lighter bodied than expected. Smooth, but short finish.

3 people found it helpfulJan 30th, 2016
Ryan W
6.1

If you are expecting a big California cab, you will be disappointed. This is more like a pinot. Extremely light, a little fruity or sweet. For $40, really disappointing. Love Bottleshock btw.

If you are expecting a big California cab, you will be disappointed. This is more like a pinot. Extremely light, a little fruity or sweet. For $40, really disappointing. Love Bottleshock btw.

2 people found it helpfulSep 6th, 2015
Johan Larsson

Owner/Sommelier tapasbar

9.0

Snygg och silkig elegantare än jag förväntade mig. I bra drickfas med potential för längre lagring.

Snygg och silkig elegantare än jag förväntade mig. I bra drickfas med potential för längre lagring.

1 person found it helpfulNov 24th, 2018
David From The 504

Always a go to

Always a go to

1 person found it helpfulJul 3rd, 2017
Shay A
9.0

Monthly wine group meet up. This month's theme was non-typical reds from Napa. Wines were tasted blind. Always a great time. 👌

This was enjoyed at the end of the night just to see how we were tasting in comparison to all of the non-cabs we had been trying. Montelena's cabs are a nod to old school as they aren't as heavy and full bodied as most Napa Cabs. Needs a lot of air time to be drinkable. Cedar, strawberries, herbs, and a tannic backbone that will go for years. Great ending, Will!

Monthly wine group meet up. This month's theme was non-typical reds from Napa. Wines were tasted blind. Always a great time. 👌

This was enjoyed at the end of the night just to see how we were tasting in comparison to all of the non-cabs we had been trying. Montelena's cabs are a nod to old school as they aren't as heavy and full bodied as most Napa Cabs. Needs a lot of air time to be drinkable. Cedar, strawberries, herbs, and a tannic backbone that will go for years. Great ending, Will!

1 person found it helpfulJun 14th, 2017