Chateau Montelena - Cabernet Sauvignon Estate2018
RED WINE
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Producer
Chateau Montelena
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Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Country
USA
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Region
California
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Appellation
Napa Valley
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UPC
733555101723
Reviews
Decanter 93
Considerably more depth than the Napa Valley release, although a bit shy on the nose at first. After oxygen exposure, aromas of grilled plums, lilies and roasted peppers frame a black-fruited core. The texture is fantastic, showing off a sweet, rich but classic frame that is both coating and refreshing. Finished with a beautifully earthy, iron-like quality.
by ML, Decanter , 2020
Robert Parker 94+
The current-release 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (soon to be supplanted by the 2019) takes a base of ripe cherries and redcurrants, then accents them with delicate herbal-floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, restrained in the classic mold, silky and elegant, with a long, dusty finish tinged with lingering hints of menthol.
by JC, Robert Parker , 2023
Vinous Media 96
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is impressive. Elegant and poised, the 2018 is a wine of reserve at this stage. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, mint, sage, spice, mocha and dried flowers open first, followed by a kick of vibrant acids that lends notable energy throughout. All this young Cabernet needs is time in the bottle to fully come together. I won't be surprised if it turns out to be a touch more compelling than the 2019 tasted alongside it. Truth be told, both vintages are captivating, but for very different reasons. Superb.
by AG, Vinous Media , 2022
Technical Details
Estate
Chateau Montelena's history is one of the deepest and most storied in the Napa Valley and California. Founded just north of Calistoga in 1882, it was one of the largest wineries in the state. Prohibition put an end to Montelena's winemaking, and the next major era began in 1968, when Jim Barrett purchased the estate. Jim fell in love with this exceptional property, blessed with a complex mix of soils, slopes and biodiversity of wildlife and fauna. He had a dream of creating wine at the level of the great First Growths of Bordeaux, and set about replanting the vineyard, outfitting the winery with modern equipment, and studying the processes necessary for farming and winemaking at the highest quality level.
Vineyard
Soils: The diversity of soils and slopes in the Estate Vineyard directly translates to layers of complexity and depth in the glass. It is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides with sedimentary, alluvial and volcanic soils.
Farming: This wine is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is sustainably farmed and produced in their solar powered winery.
Grape Varieties: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Vinification
Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to allow the wines to ferment slowly and evenly.
Aging: 22 Months in 100% French oak barrels (35% new).
Alcohol: 14.1% ABV
Vintage
Climate: Budbreak did not arrive abnormally early despite the relatively warm winter and concern over low rainfall. Mild weather, coupled with plenty of cool nights, extended the growing season for ideal conditions. Fruit quality exuberantly reflects the Calistoga vineyard.
Wine
Jim Barrett's dream of Chateau Montelena was that this wine, their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, achieve the balance and complexity of flavors, aromas and textures to be considered among the great examples of Cabernet in the world. Almost since his first vintages in the 1970s, this wine has been a show-stopper that has everything in place, while revealing the majesty and distinctive character of the estate vineyard site that the Barretts led to recognition as its own appellation, Calistoga. Today, the 50-year legacy of excellence in farming, crafting and blending powerful wines and continued innovation is what sets Chateau Montelena Winery apart.