Double decanted with stir 2 hrs prior to serving, no change over a 2 hour dinner. Medium garnet and ruby color. Dried herbs, dried raspberry on the nose. No real identifiable fruit but acid driven berry-like core, soil, tobacco on the palate with 35 sec finish. This was much closer to a regular Chateau Montelena cabernet than an Estate caliber wine. Paired fine with steak pasta but definitely lower QPR compared to other Montelena Estate vintages.
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Dark fruit on the nose and palate; red plum with air. Velvety texture. A lovely wine to enjoy while other vintages mature in the cellar, though this is every bit as worthy as others.
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OldWines note is instructive. I was very happy with this wine for an “off” vintage. Not that there aren’t great CA cabs for less, but this drank very well with dark fruit, tar, medium finish and paired perfectly with grilled steak. Importantly, it was not a sweet fruit bomb that one often finds with much of CA cabs these days.
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For an “off-vintage” this is a delightful wine. Double decanted at 2pm and brought to a family gathering for Mom’s birthday. Mid weight in body, light but delightful nose is floral, with red and black fruit and some tobacco. Palate has decent acidity and low tannin. Moderately long finish. This just drinks nicely now and over the next 5 years or so.
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Decanted and drank over a few hours. This is drinking ok. Nothing special as the really ripe fruits just aren't there. Tertiary notes starting to appear and the wine has enough acidity to keep aging just not sure it will make much difference. Drank second night and a week later after removing from vacuum system with similar notes.
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possibly a flawed bottle or just a really off vintage for this producer. medium bodied with a nose of cherry and cassis. some dark fruit on the palate but much lighter than other vintages from this producer. lacks depth. some volatile acidity is present. somehow the wine just doesn't seem to come together. the mid-palate and finish on the wine seem to disappear. for sure an easy to drink wine that will probably not get much better with time in the bottle. on a positive note, the wine has a nice mouthfeel, light tannins, and a modest ABV. not over the top in any way. after 3 hours the wine still had a nose and palate of mild vinegar that did not blow off............chalk it up to a flawed bottle and hence no rating
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"Nose is somewhat fleeting but can pick out some cassis, dark fruit, and oak. With time it becomes also Beaujolais like. Lots of floral freshness. Not much age showing on the nose. Palate is quite fresh, good acid, light toned fruit. Finish is showing drying red fruit (cherry, raspberry, red currant), good acid, some tannic structure left. Drinking very well now and will hold for awhile longer. 91-92."
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Purchased from the winery in place of the 2020 vintage club purchase due to the smoke taint and resulting decision to not make any Estate Cab. Decanted at 1:30pm and tasted from 6pm-11pm. Best at about 8pm with grilled steaks. This vintage was the only one for the last 25 years that I didn’t have. The vintage was uniformly panned by the critics but I think the old school wineries like Ridge, Montelena, Forman, Corison et al made quite nice wines in this vintage. It was not a vintage to try to make the more modern Napa Cabs that the critics seem to adore and I find over done and un-enjoyable. This was a brilliant medium garnet, mid-weight wine that was nicely balanced with good acidity, soft tannins and was quite easy to drink. The nose and palate have flavors of plum, bing cherry, herbs, anise, high-toned florals and a nice long finish. Good food wine that would complement many dishes ranging from tuna to roast chicken, pasta, braised meats and grilled meats.
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A great Cabernet Sauvignon made in a very elegant style. This wine has nice finess with silky blueberry fruit that melds into a seamless consort of mid-palate flavors of cedar forest, mushrooms and black pepper. Definitely on the early side of it's drinking window. Went fantastic with our root vegetable medley topped buckwheat grain bowl.
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This wine shouldn't be judged by it's vintage. Midnight purple with the slightest hint of brick on the rim. Leather, tobacco leaf and olive escape at first sniff. Dark fruit is prevalent and elegant. The wine is a bit more mature than some of the other Mont Estate wines I've had, and it feels as if it is maturing quickly. Clearing acidity appears in the finish. This wine has time ahead of it and it will evolve but most likely with characteristics that aren't going to appeal to me. I'm glad I opened and am enjoying it today.
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I waited longer to start drinking this vintage because of the year and previous tasting notes. Thought the wine was very good more floral and fruity than spicy but enough of a balance that it was very enjoyable
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OK good news! Although this was a challenging year this was a sleeper. I first tasted in 2015 and then again in 2016 and was not real hopeful, but the day has changed.
Same color and clarity but the aroma of pencil lead, leather and dark fruit are primary on the nose.
The palate has flesh out and the dark fruits, leather and cigar box have emerged. Still not the typical Estate wine but this has turned the corner no doubt.
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Decanted for four hours and consumed over the following three. Dark purple in the glass. Interesting aromas starting with wood, sage and a hint of flint before morphing into more cabernet notes of cherry pie and dark fruits. Oak and cedar on the palate along with white pepper, cola, licorice and cherry. Actually pretty intense and thick mouthfeel leading to a structured, acidic, yet velvety texture that was appealing in the Montelena old world style. The finish was moderately long with a tartness not found in other vintages of the estate bottling that I've sampled. Knowing that 2011 was a challenging year in Napa Valley, this effort is consistent with my expectations. Not the best, but an excellent effort none the less.
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Much better on night two showing this still needs some time. Nice, expansive nose with pretty red fruit and wood notes. Palate was elegant and fruity with the tannins showing good integration. Finish was lasting and satisfying. For those who like cooler vintage wines aged this is right in that alley and a prime example, will continue to evolve.
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Ok...this is the second bottle I've tried from the six pack and it tasted like a typical Montelena Estate bottling. Not sure what happened to the first bottle! This one was medium bodied and pleasant blue fruit flavors with mildly sweet, fine tannins. Drinking as expected for the age and vintage. Still has life but its very nice now! I plan to drink the other 4 over the next 2 year or so.
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So this bottle was about exactly where we thought it would be. 2.5 years ago:
"Not Montelena's best, but excellent if you like the style. Probably drink my last 3 once a year for next 3 years. (2437 views)"
We're a little late on the above "schedule" but tonight: cassis, black cherry, florals, eucalyptus, minerals, and oak. No rush but this is on plateau, now-2025.
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Not sure what happened to this bottle. My first of a six pack and it was underwhelming to say the least. Heavy strawberry flavor but no structure and it was thin. Trying another bottle soon. Can’t imagine this wine getting better.
Initial notes were poured directly into a glass and sat for 90 minutes. Muted, soft red cherryOn the nose. Continues with a slightly dry back palate finish. Consistent with the vintage it’s not a particularly complex or interesting wide; it’s just sort of there. Nearly 3 hours after decanting The red fruit isn’t quite as bright on the nose and the wine has added some depth versus my earlier note, however this is still nothing to crow about.
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Definitely some bottle variation in this tougher vintage. Last bottle may have been the best. Juicy and fresh but still some deeper cab notes to satisfy that craving.
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Not as impressive as most vintages of Montelena estate. There is an herbal quality which isn’t my favorite. At the same time it was enjoyable, a leaness to it that was nice.
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y first of these. Opened 2 hours before drinking with a pot roast dinner. Approachable with good fruit but a bit more acidity than I like. Maybe needs more time.
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Chateau Montelena tasting at winery: Fragrant aromas - red florals, crushed stone, peppercorn, redcurrant. Elegant and silky on the palate with blackcurrant & cherry, along with floral, allspice/paprika-like spices, and hints of cedar and earth. Medium weight with fine softer structure. Good overall depth to the finish. Drinking well- seems like it would be a good Montelena Estate to drink young.
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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Horizontal - Celebration of a new SDVOSB Owner (Omaha, NE): The fourth bottle and the second of the two rando bottles. This was actually one of the better 2011 wines I’ve had from Napa. I thought it was not only an accurate representation of a cool and wet vintage, it was quite a delicious example of one and still has years to go.
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This bottle was not as good as one 1.5 years ago. Not terrible but felt a little disjointed. Not sure if bottle variation, entering an awkward phase and will come back together, or just a wine that needs to be drank on the younger side. I’ll hold my last bottle for a few more years to see what happens.
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Light to med colour. Oak, red fruit with pronounced intensity. High acid, mod tannins and well integrated alcohol. Med body. Replicates the palate. Overall a very good wine. Unfortunately, I was looking for ourstanding.
I taste the tough vintage in every 2011 and this is no exception. Much more lean (too lean), pyrazines (green bell pepper notes) and missing that core/foundation of fruit I expect and love from Napa and other vintages of Montelena Estate. Still... not a bad wine, just not what I expect from such a great producer.
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Blackberries, black cherries, plums, licorice, and herbs in the nose. Blackberries and chocolate in the flavor. Medium bodied and medium length finish. For me, a bit too austere to warrant a higher score.
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2yrs from my last bottle. This is an enjoyable laid back styled Napa cab. Moderate concentration and less complexity than typical, showing the vintage. Has a nice herbal edge to the cab but not overtly green. Won't make old bones, as the tannins are already soft. Quite nice
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I guess the greatest crime of this wine is not being massive and concentrated. It is a bit light, but well balanced all the same. A bit reticent on the nose, cassis, a bit of oak. It had a nice mouthfeel, silky texture, nicely ripe. Tannins are fairly resolved and the finish is a bit short. Still, well made and enjoyable.
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Many are panning this wine due to the vintage but I thought it was very good. Plenty of fruit, just a hint of savory, nice acidity. I appreciate the lighter style and well balanced finish.
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Several comments said this needed a lot of time to open up, so I decanted twice through an aerator and let sit for an hour. Wine was still pretty shut down with my first taste. Some pepper and tannin but otherwise in remarkable. Got busy in the kitchen and didn’t got back to my glass for 15 - 20 minutes. The wine came to life. Still some pepper and nice tannins but also some dried fruit, maybe a little cocoa. Some nice chew with decent finish.
Not an epic wine but a very respectable CM.
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Solid but the poor vintage is showing. A bit thin which makes the alcohol seem out of balance (high) and much more of an herbal/pyrazine character which isn’t our favorite. That said, it was still a good wine, just expect more from the Montelena estate
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Agree with those who say this wine takes a few hours to open up. Peppery after a couple of hours in the bottle, a little thin where you expect flavors to emerge mid-palate. Fruit forward, as they say, with room to improve if the low end of the range can develop. We'll wait a few years and see. That's one of the pleasures of a wine like this.
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Dark red/purple color. The nose was a carbon copy of the 2008 with dark fruit, herbs, tobacco, and a light brett note. The palate displayed moderate plus intensity with blackberry and dark cherry intermingled with tobacco and brett. There is enough acidity and well-managed tannins to provide a youthful profile, but it was balanced with a rounded mouthfeel. Overall, I was impressed by the consistency of the 1991, 1996, 2008, and this wine. All of them had an old world feel with herbal notes and brett, but the fruit was enjoyable and not overworked.
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Give this about 2hrs air and you'll get an old school Napa cab with a fantastic herbal streak (good kind) and soft enough tannins to drink now. From 375ml.
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Given several hrs air and from 375ml. This is a really nice napa cab for drinking now. Nice spicy herbal nose. Black currant palate, quite sweet, with soft tannins and herbal transition into the moderate finish. Not a powerful wine by any means, but quite enjoyable now if you like a little green/herb in your cab. Given the mild structure, I'll be drinking mine now. 91-92
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Nice wine enjoyed tonight. Decanted 3 hours before it was served, which is really quite necessary to do at this point in the game, and I really don't think I was getting everything out of this one. Heck, the 2001 probably requires 2-3 hours of decanting just to show correctly. The 78 is probably pop and pour at this time. This wine was not showing everything it had. The nose of this wine was peppery and there was a black cherry presence that was rather strong. The entry of this wine was a medium+ bodied, old world style with a little dirty black cherry and floral characteristic. Middle of the wine was a little more herbaceous. This wine is more delicate and intricate than the 2010 that has a little more power. The finish is light, tannic, good acidity. Nice wine, and will only get better with time.
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Last opened a bottle 8 months ago and needed to check in on this odd vintage.
Sadly not much has changed and I am not confident that it will.... I will remain hopeful but realistic. 2011 was a tough year for some wines and the 2011 Montelena Estate is in that group.
Open and decanted for an hour before tasting but it remained decanted for 4 hours before consuming the rest of the bottle.
Not much of a nose, some red fruits with green stem and vegetable components.
On the palate this wine is medium - in body, lower in acids and mild tannin which was a surprise actually. Light red fruit with under tones of green stem and vegetables. Minimal finish.
One reviewer thought this may be a sleeper.... I sure hope so, the bar is pretty low on this vintage so any improvement will be welcomed.
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This was like a bad pinot noir. A total mess. Forget that you could buy a dozen better wines for the price of one of these, it just isn't good regardless of price.
A year since last tasting this and not gauging much improvement. Still shows a lot of green / underripe notes. Not sure it makes sense to even give it an 86, as a "B" is a good grade, but its a wine I wouldn't chose to drink. 4 more to go...
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Drinking very well, more like a claret. Beautiful nose, balanced, and nice finish. Drink now or hold for years to come. I continue to believe this is a sleeper and will evolve.
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I have been a Cellar Master member and futures buyer of this wine for 8 years and really enjoy the Montelena Estate wine. After reading some of the early notes posted here I was compelled to open a bottle and give this an early test drive.
Initial note... Disappointing.
Light in color, light in nose with a pronounced metallic and green herbal notes. Very good clarity, in the glass it looked more like a Pinot Noir than a Cabernet.
On the palate the wine was very underwhelming. Light to medium in body, light tannins & acids. Some dark and red fruits initially but fades to metallic and green stem pretty quickly. Almost as if they used all neutral oak and no new French or American oak?
No rating here as I will wait a little while to taste again but I am pretty sure years in the cellar will not help this wine improve. It lacks the deep complexity and flavors for further cellaring to improve it. I think I will be trying to enjoy this wine over the next two years and hope they never produce one like this again.
So the jury is out but this is starting to look like a hanging... we'll see.
A decent wine, albeit not the Napa cab you might expect. This was very light and open red and dark red fruit with a hint of green pepper. I enjoyed the wine but I believe the 2011 vintage is just a bit weak. I am not sure there's any reason to hold these since they are so light on fruit and tannin - will they hold up?
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Nose is a bit muted... Wet slate stone and slightly metallic. The wine gets so much better on the mid palate and finish where the Cabernet fruit begins to emerge with red cherry fruit mixed with plums, cedar, spice box, and a slight green / herbal finish. The finish is what made me score the wine higher than I would have.
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To sit or not to sit, that is the question. I am not really in love with this release. This is the first of six to be consumed. The wine has a good color to it -- was poured and was allowed to initially decant in the glass for about 45 minutes before enjoying. The bottle was enjoyed over a five hour period of time. No bleed on the cork. The nose in the glass is blackberry and bell pepper. The entry is blackberry and a little mushroom and green pepper. The middle of this one is where the berry corrects itself. This wine actually presented itself THE BEST about 3 hours after opening. This is where the mid-palate seemed to be the lengthiest. The finish was a bit thin, a little metallic. Some black licorice, some black pepper, a little tannin but not much in all honesty. A little underwhelming. I'm going to let the other 5 sit for at least 2-3 years because I just feel the structure here is lacking. I think it will integrate, but it just doesn't work now. Not rating, as this wine is not at full potential. Needs time I think.
California New Wave & Old Guard Tasting: Soft, lightly spicy notes on the nose, but it's quite mellow and soft. That mellowness transitions to the palate, which is quite soft but also mellow in flavor. The texture is impressive and nice, very soft and pure, but there's absolutely no depth or intensity. Completely lacking in verve. I like that texture, but how about some flavor? There's a slight dialup of flavor on the finish; earth, spicebox, and tartness. Still light though, even if it is balanced. Really wish for some depth and complexity that's lacking. That said, it is a very well balanced wine and enjoyable to drink... for the pedigree, one would certainly hope for some depth, though.
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Surprisingly forward and approachable for a Montelena this young, the medium bodied wine, with is cherry dominated core also displayed oak, spice and earthy character.
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richer fruit expresed on the nose relative to the 2012 Napa Cab. here a melange of red and black fruit aromas. more supple on the palate, orange zest, medium tannin. charming wine, more complexity, some whispering green and citus notes on the palate.
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Vigorously decanted. Elegant floral nose..reticent at first, but slowly opened up. An earthiness to the wine, very Bordeaux like. This wine has the fruit and I believe will age very well. It's a sleeper, but has the goods, so be patient. VERY GOOD.
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Bright ruby, plum, star anise, blackberry jam, cedar and hints of saddle wood on the nose, dense but restraint on the palate with loads of bright red and black fruit, spice, pepper and a touch of mocha, finish is extremely long and lively with pure dark fruit deftly woven with oak, fresh acidity and soft tannins
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HUGE disappointment at the price point! I personally don't feel the wine will improve much with time. I think their 2011 is a dud, and I'm kicking myself for joining their futures club in the first place. I'm so done with this winery, especially their (mostly) lame staff that only care about talking you into joining the cellar masters club. Do yourself a favor and skip this! I can name at least ten other wineries in Napa that produced far superior 2011 Cabs at a fraction of the price.
The 2011 are going to be tough this needs more time but concerned the fruit does not match up with the history. wine mostly closed for the moment but at the end of the bottle had a glimpse of some potential. I like it for now but will revisit in few years and than decide about long term cellar.
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Tasted at Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Dark ruby. Nose of berries and chocolate, rather one dimensional. Medium bodied with soft tannins but a bit flabby on the palate. This is "vin correct" but lacks character and depth. Looks like 2011 was really a bad year for Napa as I surely had better vintages from this estate before.
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9/6/2023 - Asull2k wrote: 90 Points
Double decanted with stir 2 hrs prior to serving, no change over a 2 hour dinner. Medium garnet and ruby color. Dried herbs, dried raspberry on the nose. No real identifiable fruit but acid driven berry-like core, soil, tobacco on the palate with 35 sec finish. This was much closer to a regular Chateau Montelena cabernet than an Estate caliber wine. Paired fine with steak pasta but definitely lower QPR compared to other Montelena Estate vintages.
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8/3/2023 - AllRed wrote: 93 Points
Dark fruit on the nose and palate; red plum with air. Velvety texture. A lovely wine to enjoy while other vintages mature in the cellar, though this is every bit as worthy as others.
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4/13/2023 - Sperls Likes this wine: 92 Points
OldWines note is instructive. I was very happy with this wine for an “off” vintage. Not that there aren’t great CA cabs for less, but this drank very well with dark fruit, tar, medium finish and paired perfectly with grilled steak. Importantly, it was not a sweet fruit bomb that one often finds with much of CA cabs these days.
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2/4/2023 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
For an “off-vintage” this is a delightful wine. Double decanted at 2pm and brought to a family gathering for Mom’s birthday. Mid weight in body, light but delightful nose is floral, with red and black fruit and some tobacco. Palate has decent acidity and low tannin. Moderately long finish. This just drinks nicely now and over the next 5 years or so.
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3/12/2022 - lovemycab wrote: 91 Points
Decanted and drank over a few hours. This is drinking ok. Nothing special as the really ripe fruits just aren't there. Tertiary notes starting to appear and the wine has enough acidity to keep aging just not sure it will make much difference. Drank second night and a week later after removing from vacuum system with similar notes.
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2/19/2022 - vinus_operandi wrote: flawed
possibly a flawed bottle or just a really off vintage for this producer. medium bodied with a nose of cherry and cassis. some dark fruit on the palate but much lighter than other vintages from this producer. lacks depth. some volatile acidity is present. somehow the wine just doesn't seem to come together. the mid-palate and finish on the wine seem to disappear. for sure an easy to drink wine that will probably not get much better with time in the bottle. on a positive note, the wine has a nice mouthfeel, light tannins, and a modest ABV. not over the top in any way. after 3 hours the wine still had a nose and palate of mild vinegar that did not blow off............chalk it up to a flawed bottle and hence no rating
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1/18/2022 - Rbhan12 wrote: 91 Points
Soul-searching in Napa. Beta-Jasud, Roy Piper, Detert, Elyse, Diamond Creek, Favia, Opus, Gargiulo, among others!; 1/17/2022-1/22/2022: Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
"Nose is somewhat fleeting but can pick out some cassis, dark fruit, and oak. With time it becomes also Beaujolais like. Lots of floral freshness. Not much age showing on the nose. Palate is quite fresh, good acid, light toned fruit. Finish is showing drying red fruit (cherry, raspberry, red currant), good acid, some tannic structure left. Drinking very well now and will hold for awhile longer. 91-92."
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1/4/2022 - partymonk Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking well, deep purple color, does not show signs of vintage. Good balance of fruit, body, oak, and texture. Easily ageable for another 5+ years.
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12/25/2021 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking fabulous right now.
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12/18/2021 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Purchased from the winery in place of the 2020 vintage club purchase due to the smoke taint and resulting decision to not make any Estate Cab. Decanted at 1:30pm and tasted from 6pm-11pm. Best at about 8pm with grilled steaks. This vintage was the only one for the last 25 years that I didn’t have. The vintage was uniformly panned by the critics but I think the old school wineries like Ridge, Montelena, Forman, Corison et al made quite nice wines in this vintage. It was not a vintage to try to make the more modern Napa Cabs that the critics seem to adore and I find over done and un-enjoyable. This was a brilliant medium garnet, mid-weight wine that was nicely balanced with good acidity, soft tannins and was quite easy to drink. The nose and palate have flavors of plum, bing cherry, herbs, anise, high-toned florals and a nice long finish. Good food wine that would complement many dishes ranging from tuna to roast chicken, pasta, braised meats and grilled meats.
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11/23/2021 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 90 Points
Was not as good as the excellent 2010, but still a solid wine.
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10/30/2021 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 93 Points
A great Cabernet Sauvignon made in a very elegant style. This wine has nice finess with silky blueberry fruit that melds into a seamless consort of mid-palate flavors of cedar forest, mushrooms and black pepper. Definitely on the early side of it's drinking window. Went fantastic with our root vegetable medley topped buckwheat grain bowl.
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9/12/2021 - Thirsty1 Likes this wine:
This wine shouldn't be judged by it's vintage. Midnight purple with the slightest hint of brick on the rim. Leather, tobacco leaf and olive escape at first sniff. Dark fruit is prevalent and elegant. The wine is a bit more mature than some of the other Mont Estate wines I've had, and it feels as if it is maturing quickly. Clearing acidity appears in the finish. This wine has time ahead of it and it will evolve but most likely with characteristics that aren't going to appeal to me. I'm glad I opened and am enjoying it today.
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6/21/2021 - loegerk1 wrote: 93 Points
I waited longer to start drinking this vintage because of the year and previous tasting notes. Thought the wine was very good more floral and fruity than spicy but enough of a balance that it was very enjoyable
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1/17/2021 - brouigu1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
OK good news! Although this was a challenging year this was a sleeper. I first tasted in 2015 and then again in 2016 and was not real hopeful, but the day has changed.
Same color and clarity but the aroma of pencil lead, leather and dark fruit are primary on the nose.
The palate has flesh out and the dark fruits, leather and cigar box have emerged. Still not the typical Estate wine but this has turned the corner no doubt.
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1/16/2021 - Tahlequahdave1972 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for four hours and consumed over the following three. Dark purple in the glass. Interesting aromas starting with wood, sage and a hint of flint before morphing into more cabernet notes of cherry pie and dark fruits. Oak and cedar on the palate along with white pepper, cola, licorice and cherry. Actually pretty intense and thick mouthfeel leading to a structured, acidic, yet velvety texture that was appealing in the Montelena old world style. The finish was moderately long with a tartness not found in other vintages of the estate bottling that I've sampled. Knowing that 2011 was a challenging year in Napa Valley, this effort is consistent with my expectations. Not the best, but an excellent effort none the less.
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11/3/2020 - JMFWC Likes this wine: 93 Points
Much better on night two showing this still needs some time. Nice, expansive nose with pretty red fruit and wood notes. Palate was elegant and fruity with the tannins showing good integration. Finish was lasting and satisfying. For those who like cooler vintage wines aged this is right in that alley and a prime example, will continue to evolve.
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10/3/2020 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really nice with beef pot roast. Typical cool year wine. Higher acidity with a bit less fruit. Drink or hold.
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7/25/2020 - jimyeni wrote: 91 Points
Better than last bottles but I have to say this is not the vintage to assess this wine or producer, really not what I expect from Montelena.
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7/20/2020 - DWStyle Likes this wine: 91 Points
Ok...this is the second bottle I've tried from the six pack and it tasted like a typical Montelena Estate bottling. Not sure what happened to the first bottle! This one was medium bodied and pleasant blue fruit flavors with mildly sweet, fine tannins. Drinking as expected for the age and vintage. Still has life but its very nice now! I plan to drink the other 4 over the next 2 year or so.
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7/5/2020 - Grinner wrote: 91 Points
So this bottle was about exactly where we thought it would be. 2.5 years ago:
"Not Montelena's best, but excellent if you like the style. Probably drink my last 3 once a year for next 3 years. (2437 views)"
We're a little late on the above "schedule" but tonight: cassis, black cherry, florals, eucalyptus, minerals, and oak. No rush but this is on plateau, now-2025.
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6/30/2020 - DWStyle wrote: 85 Points
Not sure what happened to this bottle. My first of a six pack and it was underwhelming to say the least.
Heavy strawberry flavor but no structure and it was thin. Trying another bottle soon. Can’t imagine this wine getting better.
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6/9/2020 - davidandrose wrote: 87 Points
Initial notes were poured directly into a glass and sat for 90 minutes. Muted, soft red cherryOn the nose. Continues with a slightly dry back palate finish. Consistent with the vintage it’s not a particularly complex or interesting wide; it’s just sort of there.
Nearly 3 hours after decanting The red fruit isn’t quite as bright on the nose and the wine has added some depth versus my earlier note, however this is still nothing to crow about.
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5/16/2020 - Scar510 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice Napa cab. Shannon’s house. CorivAned then opened it at topsail. Fruit flavor, better as it opened.
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4/19/2020 - Four Skulls wrote: 92 Points
Very well aged ... it was actually a 2009 that was mis-labeled by myself.
App said it was over due to be be consumed ... but it was almost perfect.
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3/29/2020 - domco wrote:
Definitely some bottle variation in this tougher vintage. Last bottle may have been the best. Juicy and fresh but still some deeper cab notes to satisfy that craving.
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3/29/2020 - jimyeni wrote: 90 Points
Not as impressive as most vintages of Montelena estate. There is an herbal quality which isn’t my favorite. At the same time it was enjoyable, a leaness to it that was nice.
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3/28/2020 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 89 Points
y first of these. Opened 2 hours before drinking with a pot roast dinner. Approachable with good fruit but a bit more acidity than I like. Maybe needs more time.
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1/28/2020 - MattMauldin Likes this wine:
Chateau Montelena tasting at winery: Fragrant aromas - red florals, crushed stone, peppercorn, redcurrant. Elegant and silky on the palate with blackcurrant & cherry, along with floral, allspice/paprika-like spices, and hints of cedar and earth. Medium weight with fine softer structure. Good overall depth to the finish. Drinking well- seems like it would be a good Montelena Estate to drink young.
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12/13/2019 - Derfj20 wrote: 87 Points
Fruit forward. Jammy. Thought we were drinking Pinot until I learned otherwise.
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11/1/2019 - BigTex22 wrote:
Cedar and cherry. Nice floral nose, but once drinking, a bit disjointed. Light to medium bodied. As nice as I’d expect from the rough 2011 vintage.
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10/26/2019 - thesternowl Likes this wine: 92 Points
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Horizontal - Celebration of a new SDVOSB Owner (Omaha, NE): The fourth bottle and the second of the two rando bottles. This was actually one of the better 2011 wines I’ve had from Napa. I thought it was not only an accurate representation of a cool and wet vintage, it was quite a delicious example of one and still has years to go.
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10/20/2019 - domco wrote:
This bottle was not as good as one 1.5 years ago. Not terrible but felt a little disjointed. Not sure if bottle variation, entering an awkward phase and will come back together, or just a wine that needs to be drank on the younger side. I’ll hold my last bottle for a few more years to see what happens.
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9/14/2019 - Holadi wrote: 90 Points
Light to med colour. Oak, red fruit with pronounced intensity. High acid, mod tannins and well integrated alcohol. Med body. Replicates the palate. Overall a very good wine. Unfortunately, I was looking for ourstanding.
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5/5/2019 - rshah123 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Mellow tannins, plum, cherry, raisins, leather, long finish. Very enjoyable Napa Cabernet.
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11/14/2018 - jimyeni wrote: 90 Points
I taste the tough vintage in every 2011 and this is no exception. Much more lean (too lean), pyrazines (green bell pepper notes) and missing that core/foundation of fruit I expect and love from Napa and other vintages of Montelena Estate. Still... not a bad wine, just not what I expect from such a great producer.
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10/26/2018 - buckeye76 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Blackberries, black cherries, plums, licorice, and herbs in the nose. Blackberries and chocolate in the flavor. Medium bodied and medium length finish. For me, a bit too austere to warrant a higher score.
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10/7/2018 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 92 Points
2yrs from my last bottle. This is an enjoyable laid back styled Napa cab. Moderate concentration and less complexity than typical, showing the vintage. Has a nice herbal edge to the cab but not overtly green. Won't make old bones, as the tannins are already soft. Quite nice
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5/22/2018 - WineDuq Likes this wine: 91 Points
I guess the greatest crime of this wine is not being massive and concentrated. It is a bit light, but well balanced all the same. A bit reticent on the nose, cassis, a bit of oak. It had a nice mouthfeel, silky texture, nicely ripe. Tannins are fairly resolved and the finish is a bit short. Still, well made and enjoyable.
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3/23/2018 - rshah123 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Well balanced, full mouthfeel, dark chocolate, mint, leather.
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2/5/2018 - domco wrote:
Many are panning this wine due to the vintage but I thought it was very good. Plenty of fruit, just a hint of savory, nice acidity. I appreciate the lighter style and well balanced finish.
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2/3/2018 - Grinner wrote: 91 Points
Random Vino and Beef at the Woody's; 2/2/2018-2/3/2018 (New Home of the Woodwards): About a 4 hr decant and....no notes. Just ate good food and drank great wines with great friends. Not Montelena's best but excellent if you like the style. Probably drink my last 3 once a year for next 3 years.
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12/30/2017 - F&JCELLARS wrote: 87 Points
Quite disappointed especially since it was from a good producer and QUITE expensive. It was lacking in aroma and mouthfeel. Drink now, don't wait.
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11/18/2017 - slapsht007 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Several comments said this needed a lot of time to open up, so I decanted twice through an aerator and let sit for an hour. Wine was still pretty shut down with my first taste. Some pepper and tannin but otherwise in remarkable. Got busy in the kitchen and didn’t got back to my glass for 15 - 20 minutes. The wine came to life. Still some pepper and nice tannins but also some dried fruit, maybe a little cocoa. Some nice chew with decent finish.
Not an epic wine but a very respectable CM.
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11/6/2017 - jimyeni wrote: 90 Points
Solid but the poor vintage is showing. A bit thin which makes the alcohol seem out of balance (high) and much more of an herbal/pyrazine character which isn’t our favorite. That said, it was still a good wine, just expect more from the Montelena estate
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9/30/2017 - Ceo wrote: 88 Points
Light with mineral.
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7/15/2017 - NJwineguy wrote: 88 Points
Decent predictable CA cab
Peppery tannic. Fruity.
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2/4/2017 - iwadasn wrote: 90 Points
Agree with those who say this wine takes a few hours to open up. Peppery after a couple of hours in the bottle, a little thin where you expect flavors to emerge mid-palate. Fruit forward, as they say, with room to improve if the low end of the range can develop. We'll wait a few years and see. That's one of the pleasures of a wine like this.
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12/21/2016 - Meerlust wrote: 92 Points
Dark red/purple color. The nose was a carbon copy of the 2008 with dark fruit, herbs, tobacco, and a light brett note. The palate displayed moderate plus intensity with blackberry and dark cherry intermingled with tobacco and brett. There is enough acidity and well-managed tannins to provide a youthful profile, but it was balanced with a rounded mouthfeel. Overall, I was impressed by the consistency of the 1991, 1996, 2008, and this wine. All of them had an old world feel with herbal notes and brett, but the fruit was enjoyable and not overworked.
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12/7/2016 - j77bman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Well balanced blend of dark cherries and chocolate. Smooth front, mid and finish. Enjoy now
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12/3/2016 - ruppdavey@yahoo.com wrote:
Gift to blinds and Leary for 60th bday
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10/25/2016 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Give this about 2hrs air and you'll get an old school Napa cab with a fantastic herbal streak (good kind) and soft enough tannins to drink now. From 375ml.
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10/24/2016 - jbonfig Does not like this wine: 77 Points
Never really opens up. Peppery and maybe even a little sour.
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10/7/2016 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Given several hrs air and from 375ml. This is a really nice napa cab for drinking now. Nice
spicy herbal nose. Black currant palate, quite sweet, with soft tannins and herbal transition into the moderate finish. Not a powerful wine by any means, but quite enjoyable now if you like a little green/herb in your cab. Given the mild structure, I'll be drinking mine now. 91-92
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9/16/2016 - mflesh wrote:
Nice wine enjoyed tonight. Decanted 3 hours before it was served, which is really quite necessary to do at this point in the game, and I really don't think I was getting everything out of this one. Heck, the 2001 probably requires 2-3 hours of decanting just to show correctly. The 78 is probably pop and pour at this time. This wine was not showing everything it had. The nose of this wine was peppery and there was a black cherry presence that was rather strong. The entry of this wine was a medium+ bodied, old world style with a little dirty black cherry and floral characteristic. Middle of the wine was a little more herbaceous. This wine is more delicate and intricate than the 2010 that has a little more power. The finish is light, tannic, good acidity. Nice wine, and will only get better with time.
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9/9/2016 - Guspat Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking quite well right now. Excellent flavor and mouthfeel
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8/7/2016 - brouigu1 wrote: 87 Points
Last opened a bottle 8 months ago and needed to check in on this odd vintage.
Sadly not much has changed and I am not confident that it will.... I will remain hopeful but realistic. 2011 was a tough year for some wines and the 2011 Montelena Estate is in that group.
Open and decanted for an hour before tasting but it remained decanted for 4 hours before consuming the rest of the bottle.
Not much of a nose, some red fruits with green stem and vegetable components.
On the palate this wine is medium - in body, lower in acids and mild tannin which was a surprise actually. Light red fruit with under tones of green stem and vegetables. Minimal finish.
One reviewer thought this may be a sleeper.... I sure hope so, the bar is pretty low on this vintage so any improvement will be welcomed.
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7/14/2016 - Vineyard Boy wrote: 85 Points
Great for a $30 pinot, not great for a $120+ Cabernet.
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6/3/2016 - Cgrant1029 Does not like this wine: 75 Points
This was like a bad pinot noir. A total mess. Forget that you could buy a dozen better wines for the price of one of these, it just isn't good regardless of price.
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5/28/2016 - davidandrose Does not like this wine: 86 Points
A year since last tasting this and not gauging much improvement. Still shows a lot of green / underripe notes. Not sure it makes sense to even give it an 86, as a "B" is a good grade, but its a wine I wouldn't chose to drink. 4 more to go...
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2/21/2016 - BigTex22 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking very well, more like a claret. Beautiful nose, balanced, and nice finish. Drink now or hold for years to come. I continue to believe this is a sleeper and will evolve.
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11/10/2015 - brouigu1 wrote:
I have been a Cellar Master member and futures buyer of this wine for 8 years and really enjoy the Montelena Estate wine. After reading some of the early notes posted here I was compelled to open a bottle and give this an early test drive.
Initial note... Disappointing.
Light in color, light in nose with a pronounced metallic and green herbal notes. Very good clarity, in the glass it looked more like a Pinot Noir than a Cabernet.
On the palate the wine was very underwhelming. Light to medium in body, light tannins & acids. Some dark and red fruits initially but fades to metallic and green stem pretty quickly. Almost as if they used all neutral oak and no new French or American oak?
No rating here as I will wait a little while to taste again but I am pretty sure years in the cellar will not help this wine improve. It lacks the deep complexity and flavors for further cellaring to improve it. I think I will be trying to enjoy this wine over the next two years and hope they never produce one like this again.
So the jury is out but this is starting to look like a hanging... we'll see.
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11/1/2015 - BornToRhone Likes this wine: 90 Points
A decent wine, albeit not the Napa cab you might expect. This was very light and open red and dark red fruit with a hint of green pepper. I enjoyed the wine but I believe the 2011 vintage is just a bit weak. I am not sure there's any reason to hold these since they are so light on fruit and tannin - will they hold up?
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10/24/2015 - mflesh wrote:
Still a BABY. Opened up one tonight. Lots of vegetal green pepper even after 2 hours. Wine will be better in five years, but it's not ready to go yet.
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10/9/2015 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nose is a bit muted... Wet slate stone and slightly metallic. The wine gets so much better on the mid palate and finish where the Cabernet fruit begins to emerge with red cherry fruit mixed with plums, cedar, spice box, and a slight green / herbal finish. The finish is what made me score the wine higher than I would have.
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9/10/2015 - mflesh wrote:
To sit or not to sit, that is the question. I am not really in love with this release. This is the first of six to be consumed. The wine has a good color to it -- was poured and was allowed to initially decant in the glass for about 45 minutes before enjoying. The bottle was enjoyed over a five hour period of time. No bleed on the cork. The nose in the glass is blackberry and bell pepper. The entry is blackberry and a little mushroom and green pepper. The middle of this one is where the berry corrects itself. This wine actually presented itself THE BEST about 3 hours after opening. This is where the mid-palate seemed to be the lengthiest. The finish was a bit thin, a little metallic. Some black licorice, some black pepper, a little tannin but not much in all honesty. A little underwhelming. I'm going to let the other 5 sit for at least 2-3 years because I just feel the structure here is lacking. I think it will integrate, but it just doesn't work now. Not rating, as this wine is not at full potential. Needs time I think.
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8/28/2015 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 89 Points
California New Wave & Old Guard Tasting: Soft, lightly spicy notes on the nose, but it's quite mellow and soft. That mellowness transitions to the palate, which is quite soft but also mellow in flavor. The texture is impressive and nice, very soft and pure, but there's absolutely no depth or intensity. Completely lacking in verve. I like that texture, but how about some flavor? There's a slight dialup of flavor on the finish; earth, spicebox, and tartness. Still light though, even if it is balanced. Really wish for some depth and complexity that's lacking. That said, it is a very well balanced wine and enjoyable to drink... for the pedigree, one would certainly hope for some depth, though.
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6/4/2015 - davidandrose wrote:
Good but not outstanding. Slightly green and thin with a weak finish. 88+ seems right
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5/15/2015 - JimW712 wrote:
jury is out. its good but at the price point notnsure Inam wowed. My wife however liked it quite a lot.
decanting might help and maybe a bit more age, stay tuned...
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4/20/2015 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points
Surprisingly forward and approachable for a Montelena this young, the medium bodied wine, with is cherry dominated core also displayed oak, spice and earthy character.
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4/17/2015 - nzinkgraf wrote:
richer fruit expresed on the nose relative to the 2012 Napa Cab. here a melange of red and black fruit aromas. more supple on the palate, orange zest, medium tannin. charming wine, more complexity, some whispering green and citus notes on the palate.
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4/2/2015 - BigTex22 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Vigorously decanted. Elegant floral nose..reticent at first, but slowly opened up. An earthiness to the wine, very Bordeaux like. This wine has the fruit and I believe will age very well. It's a sleeper, but has the goods, so be patient. VERY GOOD.
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3/11/2015 - duchamp wrote: 92 Points
Bright ruby, plum, star anise, blackberry jam, cedar and hints of saddle wood on the nose, dense but restraint on the palate with loads of bright red and black fruit, spice, pepper and a touch of mocha, finish is extremely long and lively with pure dark fruit deftly woven with oak, fresh acidity and soft tannins
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3/10/2015 - WineTime10 wrote: 88 Points
HUGE disappointment at the price point! I personally don't feel the wine will improve much with time. I think their 2011 is a dud, and I'm kicking myself for joining their futures club in the first place. I'm so done with this winery, especially their (mostly) lame staff that only care about talking you into joining the cellar masters club. Do yourself a favor and skip this! I can name at least ten other wineries in Napa that produced far superior 2011 Cabs at a fraction of the price.
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3/5/2015 - The Wine Guy Likes this wine: 88 Points
The 2011 are going to be tough this needs more time but concerned the fruit does not match up with the history.
wine mostly closed for the moment but at the end of the bottle had a glimpse of some potential. I like it for now but will revisit in few years and than decide about long term cellar.
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11/16/2014 - Collector1855 wrote: 90 Points
Tasted at Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Dark ruby. Nose of berries and chocolate, rather one dimensional. Medium bodied with soft tannins but a bit flabby on the palate. This is "vin correct" but lacks character and depth. Looks like 2011 was really a bad year for Napa as I surely had better vintages from this estate before.
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