Chateau Montelena
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
Chateau Montelena sets the standard for classically-styled, age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Montelena has been crafting this wine since 1978 with fruit from their Estate Vineyard in Calistoga, a single-site with exceptionally unique terroir. The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is enjoyable at any point in its lifecycle, from current release to 40 years old. This evolution is characteristic of Montelena, its property and climate. Committed to building and sharing age-worthy wines, they hold back 5-10 percent of production and periodically release small quantities of library vintages. With their decade re-release program in wholesale, the vintage of a decade prior of this wine is re-released alongside the current vintage.
Vineyard
The Chateau Montelena Estate is one of Napa Valley’s most unique growing sites. At the top of the Calistoga AVA, the vineyard’s diverse range of soils, slopes and microclimates, translate into complex layers of wine flavors. Calistoga AVA has the most pronounced diurnal temperature swing in which cool nighttime temperatures allow grapes to rest, creating beautiful acidity for extended ageability, while high daytime temperatures translate to ripeness in Montelena wines.
Vintage
Cool weather persisted throughout the growing season, leading to extended hangtime. Canopies were kept in place, helping achieve ideal ripening with a delayed harvest.
Tasting Note
Lively raspberry & blackberry contrast with earth & barrel influence. Satin tannins are revealed on the palate alongside bright red fruit, wet-stone minerality & herbal character. Punctuated finish of dark chocolate, espresso & leather.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
98.75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.25% Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Napa Valley
Alcohol
14.20%
Suggested Retail Price
$$574.990000000000009
Reviews
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Potter Valley Riesling
Mendocino, California
Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the balance of Montelena, classic “old-world” structure with ripe California fruit. It is crafted from fruit coming from the Montelena vineyard and several prime neighboring vineyards, all in the Calistoga AVA. The Montelena Napa Cabernet is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release, but in Montelena style, while age and develop beautifully.
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the best of the old-world structure, acidity and grace, with California ripeness and texture. Having zero malolactic notes and limited oak, this style Chardonnay focuses on the importance of vintage, vineyard, and pure varietal character. The bright acidity builds nuanced complexity for 10-30 years. To showcase the ageability of this wine, the vintage of a half-decade prior is re-released alongside the current vintage.
Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California
Produced from grapes grown on the Montelena Estate vineyard, the Zinfandel is a classically-structured, subtle and refined wine. More than anything, it hearkens back to the way that Zinfandel was made in the 1960s and 1970s, with completely distinctive, rich and spicy California berry fruit, but a balance that made them no heavier than their Cabernet counterparts.