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. Chateau Montelena's 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the estate's exceptional Calistoga terroir: rocky, volcanic soils and a cool climate. This renowned family-owned winery has been crafting wines of elegance and longevity since its revival in 1972. The 2021 vintage, marked by ideal growing conditions, yields a Cabernet with vibrant aromas of black currant, cedar, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, concentrated dark fruit flavors are balanced by fine tannins and a lingering finish. Hints of graphite and spice add complexity. Pair with grilled meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses for a classic Napa Valley experience. Chateau Montelena is one of Napa Valley’s oldest estate vineyards, having been purchased in 1882 by a San Francisco entrepreneur who built an impressive, European-looking chateau and hired a French winemaker. Nearly a century later, in 1969, an attorney named Jim Barrett led a group of investors who bought the winery with the notion of replanting vineyards that had been allowed to go fallow. In 1976 the winery won international fame when its 1973 Chardonnay took first place in the blind tasting in Paris that has since inspired books and movies. The winery is now owned by the Barrett family, with son Bo Barrett working as master winemaker. Chateau Montelena today makes renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Chardonnay and limited amounts of Zinfandel and Riesling. The estate includes 125 acres of vineyards and produces about 40,000 cases of wine annually.
Neil Valenzuela
A young Montelena- deep purple color. Aromas of plum, blackberry and dried violets. Dark fruit on the palate, graphite and oak on the finish.
A young Montelena- deep purple color. Aromas of plum, blackberry and dried violets. Dark fruit on the palate, graphite and oak on the finish.
9.2Meg O’Keefe-Plummer
Very smooth and enjoyable.
Very smooth and enjoyable.
8.8Andrea Watt
Clove, leather, and cherry. Rich and deep.
Clove, leather, and cherry. Rich and deep.
9.1Andrea Watt
Earthy and bold with clove and cherry over leather and anise. Rich and big.
Earthy and bold with clove and cherry over leather and anise. Rich and big.
9.1Julia Indik
Elegant from the start. Plums, currants and dark cherries tempered by smoke. This is followed by dates and fig, touch of licorice. Medium tannins carry the finish with almost no acidity.
Elegant from the start. Plums, currants and dark cherries tempered by smoke. This is followed by dates and fig, touch of licorice. Medium tannins carry the finish with almost no acidity.
9.2WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.