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Chateau Montelena - Cabernet Sauvignon - Calistoga 2012
Vintage
2012 was one of those vintages that allowed the winery to express what makes the Montelena Estate a rarity, even in the Napa Valley. The porous alluvial soils and craggy volcanics soaked up the late spring rains, which, coupled with copious sunshine and moderate temperatures, set the stage for an ideal growing season. By August, as most of the Valley dealt with triple digit highs, reliable northerly breezes materialized by mid-afternoon as the substantial heat inland drew in ocean air from the Pacific, which thundered down Mt. St. Helena to cool our Estate. In short, the fruit from this vintage experienced the best of what this vineyard can offer, allowing Chateau Montelena to craft a wine of elegance, structure, and finesse.
Estate
Chateau Montelena's rich history began on a chilly fall morning when Alfred L. Tubbs spaded over and inspected the soil where he thought of planting estate vineyards. He'd heard the Napa Valley was the best place to grow grapes in California. A deal was struck and in January of 1882 the San Francisco entrepreneur owned 254 acres of rugged land just two miles north of Calistoga at the base of Mount Saint Helena. The soils are well drained, stony and loose – perfect for the vine cuttings he would plant
Tasting notes
"Extraordinarily rich notes of dried cherry, cocoa, muddled mint, and blackberry. As the wine continues to breathe, one by one subtle hints of tobacco, cedar, and perfume emerge with patience. There is considerable depth on the palate as fresh, tart raspberries contrast the rocky, earth undertones, so emblematic of our Estate, leading to a texture that is at once austere, awaiting further time in bottle, and voluptuous. After two years in oak, the tannins are wonderfully integrated with just enough toast to seamlessly transition to blueberry, cassis, and mocha on the finish."
Vinification
Chateau Montelena's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 98.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc and .5% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (30% new) for 24 months.
Wine
The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in one of the world's most remarkable winegrowing properties. The site's diversity of soils and slopes translates directly into the layers of complex flavors in this flagship wine.
