I carefully removed the cork with an Ah-So, it was in decent shape but was fragile. The wine was decanted about five hours before serving. The wine was dark in color and had a modest nose. There was modest sediment in the bottle. It was nice to drink and has held up very well for 25 years.
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Like the 1998 Insignia I had a few weeks ago, this Montelena dispels the common opinion of 1998 as a poor vintage in Napa Cabernet. It just wasn’t 1997. Still plenty of deep black cherry fruit, along with a dash of vanilla, and some emerging cedar and leather elements. Moderate tannic structure, so that with the fruit there is still ample life, and enjoyment left in an underrated vintage of this Napa stalwart. Drink now and for many years to come.
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Consistent with prior note (a good, not great Montelena). Still drinking well; in a good place. Opened about 7 hours before, not decanted. Probably would have benefited a bit from a short decant before serving.
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2/23/2024 - rgawlowski Likes this wine: 92 Points
It’s a lovely wine; still with life; nice, dark fruit, broken tannins; great nose and finish.
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12/31/2023 - Redteeth wrote:
I carefully removed the cork with an Ah-So, it was in decent shape but was fragile. The wine was decanted about five hours before serving. The wine was dark in color and had a modest nose. There was modest sediment in the bottle. It was nice to drink and has held up very well for 25 years.
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11/18/2023 - Matt.dubois9 Likes this wine:
Great tasting wine after decanting for a long time
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8/11/2023 - Rieslingfan wrote:
Like the 1998 Insignia I had a few weeks ago, this Montelena dispels the common opinion of 1998 as a poor vintage in Napa Cabernet. It just wasn’t 1997. Still plenty of deep black cherry fruit, along with a dash of vanilla, and some emerging cedar and leather elements. Moderate tannic structure, so that with the fruit there is still ample life, and enjoyment left in an underrated vintage of this Napa stalwart. Drink now and for many years to come.
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7/3/2023 - Nothung Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consistent with prior note (a good, not great Montelena). Still drinking well; in a good place. Opened about 7 hours before, not decanted. Probably would have benefited a bit from a short decant before serving.
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