2009 Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Calistoga, Napa Valley.
A recent visit to Napa Valley included a visit to the famed and historic Chateau Montelena, one of the first wineries I ever went to in the Napa Valley, and I always enjoy going to the place with it’s beautiful location and lovely facade which never fails to make me smile, plus the wines are very pleasing. The lineup this time included the classic Chardonnay, a nice tangy off dry Riesling from Potter Valley, the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and the famous Estate Cabernet, the 2009 which was a stunner, absolutely gorgeous and full bodied this wine is what Napa Valley Cabernet is all about. This 2009 Calistoga Estate shows a developed nose with floral and fruit tones, hints of cedary oak and a whiff mint leading to a lush and expanding palate of blackberry, plum, creme de cassis and dark cherry fruit, licorice, sage, sweet tobacco and vanilla. Firm ripe tannins frame this Cabernet and give nice structure, but remain supple throughout making for a easy to drink young wine, in fact I may suggest you drink this one sooner versus later. While most Chateau Montelena vintages age decades, this seems to be one you’d rather not wait that long, I’d say drink now through 2020. I loved this Cabernet, it was everything you’d expect and want from this classic winery and I highly recommend a visit next time you get up to the area.
($100 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive
