Cellarmaster Tasting at Chateau Montelena
Tasted Friday, October 7, 2011 by AllRed with 639 views
Introduction
This was our first visit to Montelena since our honeymoon in 2008, when we joined their Cellarmaster program. They award points for purchases, which can then be redeemed for tastings and other things. We were joined by one other couple for a seated member tasting in the main hall off the balcony, which is a beautiful setting for a tasting. The tasting menus were personalized with members' names- a nice touch.
Wines are purposefully opened in front of those tasting and immediately poured so that club members can judge how a wine is doing right out of the bottle. I really liked this concept since I did not have to inquire about how long bottles were open, whether or not they were decanted, etc. All the wines tasted, except the regular Chardonnay, which was brought in from the tasting room to provide a comparison, were popped & poured.
2010 Chateau Montelena Sauvignon Blanc 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Opens with lovely floral and citrus notes, developing marzipan and lemongrass with time. Bright acidity with lime and citrus flavors with a long, grass-tinged finish.
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2008 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay John Muir Hanna Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Deep straw color with aromas of apple, sandalwood and honey. Rich texture with apple, honeysuckle, and vanilla flavors. Develops in the glass adding subtle nutty wood tones. Well-balanced and elegant, with very nice length to the finish.
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2008 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
A touch lighter in color than the Muir Hanna, with notes of tropical fruit- coconut & banana, and a subtle toast. Flavors of apple, vanilla, tropical fruit and mineral. Nice finish.
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2006 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel The Montelena Estate 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
Crimson color. Aromas of spice, red fruit, cherry and blueberry. Medium-bodied, with nice balance and weight on the palate. Flavors of red fruit dominate, ending with a subtle spice quality on the medium+ finish. Elegant. I love this style of Zin.
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2004 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
USA, California, Napa Valley
Wow, was this showing well. Deep crimson color. Initial aromas of anise, red currants and underbrush give way to black currants, dark fruit and lavender tones. Very well-balanced with softened tannins, almost a velvety feel, and flavors of red fruit and herb/underbrush qualities. In a really good place right now. A pop & pour, showing well right out of the bottle. I didn't note a score, but thinking about it I'd have gone around 92-93.
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2003 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
Deep inky crimson color. Notes of blackberry, cassis, red currant and underbrush. Develops floral notes as it opens further in the glass- violets & lavender. Full-bodied; tannins have begun to soften a bit. Flavors of red fruit and dried herbs with a long finish. Lovely balance. 93-94 pts.
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2007 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
Deep inky red color. Aromas of cassis, raspberry liqueur, red currants, sage and maybe rosemary. Full-bodied with firm but approachable tannins and flavors of red currants, vanilla and black fruit with a subtle toasty quality too. Very well-balanced with loads of fruit on the palate. Long finish. The balance of structure and fruit in this wine is just amazing.
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