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Chateau Montelena - Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2008
- Producer Chateau Montelena
-
Blend
2% Cabernet Franc
98% Cabernet Sauvignon - Country USA
- Region California
- Appellation Napa Valley
- UPC 0 15643 52261 1
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.
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.
Vineyard
The Estate vineyard is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides. The vineyard gently slopes downward towards its base, where a
small patch of sedimentary soil was deposited by the settling of an ancient ocean or lake. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil,
the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by
tectonic uplifting
Vinification
A cold and frosty spring reduced the size of the crop, and then strong winds at bloom again reduced the crop. The heat of the growing season was normal, but then more heat showed up at harvest. Despite (and beacuse of) these varying conditions, 2008 produced an incredible, concentrated
and exceptional Estate Cabernet. It is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged in 100% French oak 34% new barrels for 22 months