- Home/
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Chateau Montelena is one of California's historic wineries and consistent producers of some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. Another great Montelena Cabernet. 92 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific introduction to the vintage at Montelena. Brisk and energetic, the 2014 offers a good bit of nuance and aromatic complexity. The flavors are dark and intense, but the 2014 is very much medium in body, as these wines are. There is no shortage of muscle and power, especially at this level. Hints of iron, smoke, leather and herbs inform the muscular, virile finish. This is a terrific set of new releases from Bo Barrett and winemaker Matt Crafton. After a bit of back and forth in recent years on the stylistic direction of the wines - the Cabernets in particular - Barrett seems to have settled into a very comfortable place, as is evidenced by the stellar 2014s. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in coming years. The 2014s seem to point to a slightly more classic style than the (admittedly) slight move to a sweeter, riper style seen in some recent vintages."
Ratings on Delectable
Ericsson
In the glass, it’s a deep, opaque ruby, promising something serious. The nose has blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite, with a hint of dried herbs, dust and cigar box, like stepping into an old library. There’s restraint here, almost old school. No overripe fruit, no excess; just balance, precision. On the palate, it’s all about structure. The tannins are firm but refined, holding together layers of dark fruit, espresso, and a touch of cocoa. The acidity is just enough to keep it fresh, cutting through the richness of it all. As the wine opens up, there’s a shift; an earthy, almost savory depth that lingers on a long, seamless finish. Could have saved it but it is peaking and paired perfectly with a thick cut of ribeyes over mesquite charcoal with great company and conversation.
In the glass, it’s a deep, opaque ruby, promising something serious. The nose has blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite, with a hint of dried herbs, dust and cigar box, like stepping into an old library. There’s restraint here, almost old school. No overripe fruit, no excess; just balance, precision. On the palate, it’s all about structure. The tannins are firm but refined, holding together layers of dark fruit, espresso, and a touch of cocoa. The acidity is just enough to keep it fresh, cutting through the richness of it all. As the wine opens up, there’s a shift; an earthy, almost savory depth that lingers on a long, seamless finish. Could have saved it but it is peaking and paired perfectly with a thick cut of ribeyes over mesquite charcoal with great company and conversation.
9.5
Vanessa
Winding down Wednesday with a lovely, medium ruby, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, presenting ripe blackberry, black cherry, black currant, plum, fig, violet, and licorice primary aromas, and a bouquet of vanilla, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, and cedar secondary aromas, striking balance on the palate with well-integrated flavor notes consistent with the nose. This wine is dry and nicely structured with medium(+) acidity, full body, high alcohol, and grippy tannins and the fruit is supple and beautifully concentrated. It has a long, elegant finish.
Winding down Wednesday with a lovely, medium ruby, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, presenting ripe blackberry, black cherry, black currant, plum, fig, violet, and licorice primary aromas, and a bouquet of vanilla, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, and cedar secondary aromas, striking balance on the palate with well-integrated flavor notes consistent with the nose. This wine is dry and nicely structured with medium(+) acidity, full body, high alcohol, and grippy tannins and the fruit is supple and beautifully concentrated. It has a long, elegant finish.
9.2Irene Murphy
So lovely!
So lovely!
9.4
Richard Smith
First week of class very rich... drank very slowly with Sissela
First week of class very rich... drank very slowly with Sissela
9.0
Eric
Drive by tasting at SFO. Cloying nose. Palate was better.
Drive by tasting at SFO. Cloying nose. Palate was better.
9.1
Lawrence Bernstein
Somewhat dry. Not full bodies. Flinty with a bit of acid. 84 for this 2016 $ 55 wine
Somewhat dry. Not full bodies. Flinty with a bit of acid. 84 for this 2016 $ 55 wine
8.4
Julia Indik
Deep and dark fruit -blackberries, plums, figs. Touch of chocolate in a splash of acidic tannins in the finish.
Deep and dark fruit -blackberries, plums, figs. Touch of chocolate in a splash of acidic tannins in the finish.
9.2Dan Nordin - har bytt till Vivino
Napa Cab!
Napa Cab!
9.3
Masatoshi, YAMADA
Shima-san for Fracta gave me on October 15.
Shima-san for Fracta gave me on October 15.
10
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.