Chateau Montelena
The Montelena Estate Napa Valley Merlot
Napa Valley, California, USA
Marketing/Development Kunni/Westerly Wines
Sadly corked. First bottle of a case to have this problem.
Sadly corked. First bottle of a case to have this problem.
Jan 3rd, 2020
Followed the 1997 vintage with the newly released 2018 Merlot, the first production in 23 years. Ruby red in color with sweeter smells of dark cherry, vanilla and licorice. Medium body with a smooth, silky texture. Soft and elegant berry palate with a cranberry and boysenberry finish. Very easy to drink for a Merlot.
Followed the 1997 vintage with the newly released 2018 Merlot, the first production in 23 years. Ruby red in color with sweeter smells of dark cherry, vanilla and licorice. Medium body with a smooth, silky texture. Soft and elegant berry palate with a cranberry and boysenberry finish. Very easy to drink for a Merlot.
May 21st, 2021A rare left over bottle of the 1997 Estate Merlot, a gift to the Montelena staff from a long time club member. After 23 years, there is little fruit left to taste with notes of black pepper and earth tones on the nose alongside strong acid and tangy tannins in the finish. Better than anticipated which speaks to the brand’s ageability, but past it’s peak.
A rare left over bottle of the 1997 Estate Merlot, a gift to the Montelena staff from a long time club member. After 23 years, there is little fruit left to taste with notes of black pepper and earth tones on the nose alongside strong acid and tangy tannins in the finish. Better than anticipated which speaks to the brand’s ageability, but past it’s peak.
May 21st, 2021
Dark fruit. Sour cherry. Brackish water. Forest floor. Maduro wrapper. Blistered shishito. Palette of dark and sour cherry. Strong acid that guides you to the heavy tannic structure that awaits. Fruit is still holding on to provide some balance. But slightly off kilter (past prime?) to be considered a truly great Montelena.
Dark fruit. Sour cherry. Brackish water. Forest floor. Maduro wrapper. Blistered shishito. Palette of dark and sour cherry. Strong acid that guides you to the heavy tannic structure that awaits. Fruit is still holding on to provide some balance. But slightly off kilter (past prime?) to be considered a truly great Montelena.
Sep 5th, 2017
Not bad At all. Needed time to open.
Not bad At all. Needed time to open.
Nov 27th, 2014
A bit soupy. Past prime, which is a first for this producer. Maybe off bottle.
A bit soupy. Past prime, which is a first for this producer. Maybe off bottle.
Aug 18th, 2019