Monticello Vineyards (Corley Family)
Jefferson Cuvée Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Served to be double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a beautiful garnet with a deep but translucent core and significant rim variation; from magenta to orange to watery. There appears to be loads of sediment. Medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with powerful aromas of desiccated red and black fruits: cassis, brambles, plum, pipe tobacco, some green pepper, old leather, damp forrest, mushrooms and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium(+?) acid. Confirming the notes on the notes. The finish is long and delicious. Alcohol is medium.
I was pretty confident that this was a Bordeaux-variety/blend however, I was between two minds as to whether this was left-bank Bordeaux or Napa Valley as I believe the lines truly begin to blur with age. Ultimately, I called St. Estèphe from a classified growth and a warmer vintage like 1985 or 1990. I settled on 1990. Shit. I should have known it was Napa…and as more time went on, the fruit did seem to get a little more heady. Anyway, I don’t hate my call but I should have not rushed my conclusion and considered it a little longer. As for the wine itself, this bottle has excellent provenance and was really quite lovely at 37 years old. Plenty left in the tank. There’s good color and energy with no worry at all about the fruit hanging on. Alcohol is modest at 12.5% ABV. Well-cellared examples should be enjoyed now but will drink very well over the next 5-10 years, easy.
Served to be double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a beautiful garnet with a deep but translucent core and significant rim variation; from magenta to orange to watery. There appears to be loads of sediment. Medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with powerful aromas of desiccated red and black fruits: cassis, brambles, plum, pipe tobacco, some green pepper, old leather, damp forrest, mushrooms and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium(+?) acid. Confirming the notes on the notes. The finish is long and delicious. Alcohol is medium.
I was pretty confident that this was a Bordeaux-variety/blend however, I was between two minds as to whether this was left-bank Bordeaux or Napa Valley as I believe the lines truly begin to blur with age. Ultimately, I called St. Estèphe from a classified growth and a warmer vintage like 1985 or 1990. I settled on 1990. Shit. I should have known it was Napa…and as more time went on, the fruit did seem to get a little more heady. Anyway, I don’t hate my call but I should have not rushed my conclusion and considered it a little longer. As for the wine itself, this bottle has excellent provenance and was really quite lovely at 37 years old. Plenty left in the tank. There’s good color and energy with no worry at all about the fruit hanging on. Alcohol is modest at 12.5% ABV. Well-cellared examples should be enjoyed now but will drink very well over the next 5-10 years, easy.
The bite was a bit more than I wanted. Paired with the right food, it'd be quite good. I missed the mark this time. Will give it another try some day.
The bite was a bit more than I wanted. Paired with the right food, it'd be quite good. I missed the mark this time. Will give it another try some day.
2 people found it helpfulSep 2nd, 2015
Would have been a great wine in its prime. The 1986 was washed out with all the fruit gone.
Would have been a great wine in its prime. The 1986 was washed out with all the fruit gone.
2 people found it helpfulNov 14th, 2014Full-bodied and and great with steak. It has a strong blackberry taste and spicy tannins.
Full-bodied and and great with steak. It has a strong blackberry taste and spicy tannins.
1 person found it helpfulOct 22nd, 2015Beth had this 9 years ago
Beth had this 9 years ago
1 person found it helpfulSep 28th, 2015
Dark ruby in color. Fruit-forward with black cherry preserves and mocha-vanilla notes. Well-balanced acidity and tannin. Not very earthy or herbaceous, although perhaps a hint of licorice.
Dark ruby in color. Fruit-forward with black cherry preserves and mocha-vanilla notes. Well-balanced acidity and tannin. Not very earthy or herbaceous, although perhaps a hint of licorice.
1 person found it helpfulSep 21st, 2015
Near perfect bottle of Napa cab, proper structure with amazing freshness and layers of fruit and earth with acidity that hasn't faded
Near perfect bottle of Napa cab, proper structure with amazing freshness and layers of fruit and earth with acidity that hasn't faded
1 person found it helpfulSep 5th, 2015Not overly dry, very smooth. Bold flavors. A definite#favorite
Not overly dry, very smooth. Bold flavors. A definite#favorite
1 person found it helpfulAug 26th, 2015
Jammy. Pleasant mouth feel. Dark fruit.
Jammy. Pleasant mouth feel. Dark fruit.
1 person found it helpfulAug 17th, 2015