Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
What a difference an hour for in the decanter makes! Had this wine, same vintage, just eight months ago and wasn’t completely pleased—was too tannic, acidic and unbalanced. Now, on the Fourth of July 2019, it was sublime after decanting. Smooth tannins, nice fruit and perfume, complex mineral and cocoa notes; all in all, just a great red to pair with prime NY steak on Independence Day. God bless America!
What a difference an hour for in the decanter makes! Had this wine, same vintage, just eight months ago and wasn’t completely pleased—was too tannic, acidic and unbalanced. Now, on the Fourth of July 2019, it was sublime after decanting. Smooth tannins, nice fruit and perfume, complex mineral and cocoa notes; all in all, just a great red to pair with prime NY steak on Independence Day. God bless America!
Jul 5th, 2019
This wine is okay. Probably better with food.
This wine is okay. Probably better with food.
Jun 23rd, 2019Smooth, silky and the perfect amount of spice. Dark berries, black pepper and licorice. Delicious.
Smooth, silky and the perfect amount of spice. Dark berries, black pepper and licorice. Delicious.
Apr 7th, 2019
@Sharon B said it’s national drink wine day so today’s obligatory bottle is a brand new one recommended by my buddy @ LWS.
It’s good. A bit lighter than I would have thought. Nose is cherries, floral, and herbal.
A little bit less than medium body. Strawberries, red currant, and green. I’m thinking I showed up to the party 5 years too early. Will come back later!
@Sharon B said it’s national drink wine day so today’s obligatory bottle is a brand new one recommended by my buddy @ LWS.
It’s good. A bit lighter than I would have thought. Nose is cherries, floral, and herbal.
A little bit less than medium body. Strawberries, red currant, and green. I’m thinking I showed up to the party 5 years too early. Will come back later!
Not tasty enough to justify the expense.
Not tasty enough to justify the expense.
Jan 28th, 2019Decent medium cab. Overpriced like all their wines. Not a big fan of this winery
Decent medium cab. Overpriced like all their wines. Not a big fan of this winery
Jan 26th, 2019Don’t drink this enough. Fruit forward cab on the front and a bit dry after it was open for 30. Solid!
Don’t drink this enough. Fruit forward cab on the front and a bit dry after it was open for 30. Solid!
Jan 23rd, 2019
Very different Napa Cab. Medium bodied, more acidic than most Cabs, lighter tannins, slightly sweet, nicely balanced with notes of plum and tobacco, really opens up and mellows after decanting it for about 30 minutes or so
Very different Napa Cab. Medium bodied, more acidic than most Cabs, lighter tannins, slightly sweet, nicely balanced with notes of plum and tobacco, really opens up and mellows after decanting it for about 30 minutes or so
Jan 10th, 2019
I usually lean towards Old World 🍷 but this made my palette very happy.
I usually lean towards Old World 🍷 but this made my palette very happy.
Jan 5th, 2019Solid Napa Valley Cab, but needs time (in bottle or decanter, or both) to soften the tannins and acid. Good fruit, some mineralality, but like most California Cabs, just a bit unbalanced. Less alcohol and tannin, more finesse is what this bottle needs. Especially for the price. Enjoyed the 2015 vintage with prime Wagyu filet mignon.
Solid Napa Valley Cab, but needs time (in bottle or decanter, or both) to soften the tannins and acid. Good fruit, some mineralality, but like most California Cabs, just a bit unbalanced. Less alcohol and tannin, more finesse is what this bottle needs. Especially for the price. Enjoyed the 2015 vintage with prime Wagyu filet mignon.
Oct 22nd, 2018