Chateau Montelena
The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Last night, a buddy of mine who’s a Disabled Veteran and Registered Architect, announced that he was assuming control of a SDVOSB Architecture firm. He had spent the better part of a year of trying to reach a purchase agreement. So it was an evening of celebration. He’s been a Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars fan for some time and he planned to pull the cork on a few bottles. We had a couple of rando bottles too but all were California Cabernet Sauvignon. The fourth bottle and the second of the two rando bottles. This was actually one of the better 2011 wines I’ve had from Napa. I thought it was not only an accurate representation of a cool and wet vintage, it was quite a delicious example of one and still has years to go.
Last night, a buddy of mine who’s a Disabled Veteran and Registered Architect, announced that he was assuming control of a SDVOSB Architecture firm. He had spent the better part of a year of trying to reach a purchase agreement. So it was an evening of celebration. He’s been a Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars fan for some time and he planned to pull the cork on a few bottles. We had a couple of rando bottles too but all were California Cabernet Sauvignon. The fourth bottle and the second of the two rando bottles. This was actually one of the better 2011 wines I’ve had from Napa. I thought it was not only an accurate representation of a cool and wet vintage, it was quite a delicious example of one and still has years to go.
Oct 28th, 2019
A vintage to hold. It might fool you for a first growth Bordeaux
A vintage to hold. It might fool you for a first growth Bordeaux
2 people found it helpfulApr 11th, 20152011. This is a vintage that separates the boys from men. Hold this vintage! This wine will be on fire down the road.
2011. This is a vintage that separates the boys from men. Hold this vintage! This wine will be on fire down the road.
2 people found it helpfulMar 30th, 2015
In the world of Napa cabs, I consider this a "big Ugly."
You know the story, your supplier comes with "a great deal." So, I invested my hard earned, and received "Barry Bonds" in return.
The wine presents as soft, round and throughly nondescript. I spat my pacifier out tonight.
I'm gonna do a @Paul T and open something else.
In the world of Napa cabs, I consider this a "big Ugly."
You know the story, your supplier comes with "a great deal." So, I invested my hard earned, and received "Barry Bonds" in return.
The wine presents as soft, round and throughly nondescript. I spat my pacifier out tonight.
I'm gonna do a @Paul T and open something else.
Elegant, classic. Slick edges, but still delicious.
Elegant, classic. Slick edges, but still delicious.
Jul 2nd, 2015
Tough vintage, love the style. Lean but fresh and long.
Tough vintage, love the style. Lean but fresh and long.
Jun 16th, 2015
Surprisingly elegant, nuanced, understated and essential.
Surprisingly elegant, nuanced, understated and essential.
May 7th, 2015
2011 vintage. Sandalwood and dark cherry in a light nose. Medium bodied with a slight candied cherry, tea and milk chocolate profile along with decent acidity/tannins. A polished, medium-length finish. Pretty but not a blockbuster as with the Montelena days of yore. Decanted for two hours.
2011 vintage. Sandalwood and dark cherry in a light nose. Medium bodied with a slight candied cherry, tea and milk chocolate profile along with decent acidity/tannins. A polished, medium-length finish. Pretty but not a blockbuster as with the Montelena days of yore. Decanted for two hours.
Aug 24th, 2017Still young. Don't have this after a 2009 Cobos Malbec.
Still young. Don't have this after a 2009 Cobos Malbec.
May 22nd, 2017