Monticello Vineyards (Corley Family)

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

8.811 ratings
8.96 pro ratings
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
Jay Kline

A member of our Tasting Group provided this bottle from his cellar. It had been opened 90 minutes prior to service, poured into a decanter and, in typical Tasting Group fashion, presented double-blind. Appearance: a deep, slightly turbid, garnet color with some very slight browning towards the rim. Medium intensity. Medium viscosity. On the nose this was fully developed with notes of red and dark fruit, grilled Poblano pepper, leather, and sweet pipe tobacco and baking spices. I felt certain, from the bouquet alone, that we were in the presence of a wine that had seen some significant age. On the palate, a mix of dried fruits including cherries, dates and figs with milk chocolate, nuts, leather, and tobacco. Plush mouthfeel. The tannins were medium and fully integrated at this point. Acid was medium+ which provided youthful energy. The finish was long, lovely. In fact, the flavor on the finish reminded me a bit of a Palmer Twin Bing. I called Napa Cabernet from the 1990 vintage. I was pretty darned close! This bottle was hitting right now and well-stored examples should continue to drink well over the next 5-10 years.

A member of our Tasting Group provided this bottle from his cellar. It had been opened 90 minutes prior to service, poured into a decanter and, in typical Tasting Group fashion, presented double-blind. Appearance: a deep, slightly turbid, garnet color with some very slight browning towards the rim. Medium intensity. Medium viscosity. On the nose this was fully developed with notes of red and dark fruit, grilled Poblano pepper, leather, and sweet pipe tobacco and baking spices. I felt certain, from the bouquet alone, that we were in the presence of a wine that had seen some significant age. On the palate, a mix of dried fruits including cherries, dates and figs with milk chocolate, nuts, leather, and tobacco. Plush mouthfeel. The tannins were medium and fully integrated at this point. Acid was medium+ which provided youthful energy. The finish was long, lovely. In fact, the flavor on the finish reminded me a bit of a Palmer Twin Bing. I called Napa Cabernet from the 1990 vintage. I was pretty darned close! This bottle was hitting right now and well-stored examples should continue to drink well over the next 5-10 years.

Jul 14th, 2021
Andy Dobmeier

Andy had this 11 years ago

Andy had this 11 years ago

1 person found it helpfulAug 2nd, 2013
Leo Park

Flat finish. Had 84 and definitely passed its prime. Still fruit forward

Flat finish. Had 84 and definitely passed its prime. Still fruit forward

Jul 31st, 2015
Robert Skufca

Nice surprise , fruit holding on. Fun to taste this old Napa Cab, and good enough to keep drinking.

Nice surprise , fruit holding on. Fun to taste this old Napa Cab, and good enough to keep drinking.

Dec 18th, 2014
Jeff Bava

1986

1986

Nov 3rd, 2014
Richard Rynda

A shocker... Flat, no fruit, strong leather and oak... Still very drinkable. only 12.5% alcohol.

A shocker... Flat, no fruit, strong leather and oak... Still very drinkable. only 12.5% alcohol.

Sep 16th, 2014
Kurt-Inge Eklund

Kurt-Inge had this 6 years ago

Kurt-Inge had this 6 years ago

May 7th, 2018
David Bos

David had this 8 years ago

David had this 8 years ago

May 2nd, 2016
Scott Herrmann

Scott had this 9 years ago

Scott had this 9 years ago

Jan 27th, 2015
Cosmin Marinescu

Cosmin had this 10 years ago

Cosmin had this 10 years ago

Mar 5th, 2014