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. 88 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Soft, fruity and easygoing, the Napa Valley Cabernet shows the mid-weight structure of the vintage nicely. In 2017, Montelena did not pick one 11-acre vineyard because of the fires, which means that the blend has a bit more Merlot than normal. That, in turn, adds to the wine's supple, forward feel."
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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. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023)
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. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023)
9.6Jade Moore
Tasty
Tasty
9.3Damian
Blueberry, plum on the nose. Dark fruit, leathery flavor. Medium high acidity with noticeable tannins. Complex and elegant.
Blueberry, plum on the nose. Dark fruit, leathery flavor. Medium high acidity with noticeable tannins. Complex and elegant.
9.2Tom Kohli
Great way to end up a great time with the two best hosts!
Great way to end up a great time with the two best hosts!
9.0Henry Fuseler
9/2022. Full bodied flavor. Very nice on the palate. Enjoyed with the pork steak at Mr. Friendly’s
9/2022. Full bodied flavor. Very nice on the palate. Enjoyed with the pork steak at Mr. Friendly’s
9.2Brandon T
Always love this - great QPR for around $50.
Always love this - great QPR for around $50.
9.4Lauren Young
Perfect with ribeye and porterhouse
Perfect with ribeye and porterhouse
9.2Tiffany Wen
Acidic, clean acetone taste with cherries and spice
Acidic, clean acetone taste with cherries and spice
8.5Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: Medium-plus body. Bold flavors. Fine tannins. Dark fruits. Blackberry. Cherry. Plum. Vanilla. Oak. Smooth, soft finish. For me, this is a must-try iconic Napa Valley winery and an almost perfect example of a Napa Cab. Such great depth & balance for such a young wine. Paired this beauty with a grilled ribeye steak & all the fixings. Great day to all! Cheers
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: Medium-plus body. Bold flavors. Fine tannins. Dark fruits. Blackberry. Cherry. Plum. Vanilla. Oak. Smooth, soft finish. For me, this is a must-try iconic Napa Valley winery and an almost perfect example of a Napa Cab. Such great depth & balance for such a young wine. Paired this beauty with a grilled ribeye steak & all the fixings. Great day to all! Cheers
9.1Dan Cobb
It’s actually Cabernet. We happened to be at CM in 2018 during crush and saw this vintage being made. A little tobacco and cherry. Light structure. Drinking pretty well. w Michelle Carr
It’s actually Cabernet. We happened to be at CM in 2018 during crush and saw this vintage being made. A little tobacco and cherry. Light structure. Drinking pretty well. w Michelle Carr
9.5WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.