January 12, 2024 - In the exquisite world of wines, where each bottle tells a story, the 1986 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, The Montelena Estate, stands as a time capsule of elegance and nostalgia. As a hopeless romantic, a member of upper society, and a musician, my encounter with this vintage transports me back to the vibrant tapestry of 1986, where the taste of the wine intertwines with the memories of a maiden who once made my heart race.
Endless nights under the moon so on my lonely weekend I had to get one art auction…. If anything, to remember her smell, sweet Sabrina.
The Montelena Estate is renowned for producing wines that are not merely beverages but expressions of artistry. As a member of upper society, I appreciate the subtleties and nuances that distinguish a remarkable wine. The 1986 vintage, with its rich history, intrigued me from the moment the bottle was uncorked, but while the nose was intoxicating, reminiscent of a bouquet of freshly picked roses and dark berries. It unfolds with layers of complexity, revealing notes of cedar, vanilla, and a subtle hint of tobacco. As a musician, I find myself captivated by this olfactory composition, akin to the opening chords of a beloved melody.
However, as the first sip graces the palate, it is evident that the wine, much like the fleeting romance of my youth, lacks the epic performance I had anticipated. The initial burst of flavors, marked by blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of chocolate, is undeniably delightful. Yet, the symphony promised by the aromatic prelude seems to fall short in its execution. The wine's body is well-structured but fails to deliver the grand crescendo one would expect from a vintage of this caliber.
In the realm of romance, the 1986 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon serves as a metaphor for the maiden of '86 who once stirred my soul. The wine, like her, possesses a captivating allure and a promise of something extraordinary. However, the taste, much like the ephemeral romance itself, leaves me yearning for a more profound and lasting impression.
I was desperate alone in Medellin so I popped a DAOU soul of a lion just to “get me there” (see review) and good Lord did it ever but back to the 86. It’s nose tricks you ... but never quite makes it ... .its not there.
It's important to note that this vintage is recommended as a "pop and pour," suggesting a simplicity in its approach and while the wine may not deliver the epic performance I had hoped for, it succeeds in evoking a sense of nostalgia and reflection. It invites me to revisit a chapter of my life when the world was less "woke," and the pursuit of happiness was simpler. The memories of toiling in the vineyards, accompanied by the taste of this Cabernet Sauvignon, create a bittersweet symphony of emotions.
In conclusion, the 1986 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, The Montelena Estate, is a journey through time, a sensory exploration that intertwines with the memories of a maiden from '86. While it may not reach the heights of an epic performance, it's fantastic nose and nostalgic undertones make it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a taste of both the past and the present in a single sip.
Good with a steak. Who knows more time? I am not at the level or expertise to know, just a simple traveler and a hopeless romantic.
December 13, 2022 - Dark ruby in color with a wide brick rim.
Beautiful nose of blueberries, black plums, cooked cherries, raisins, dried figs, vanilla, cedar, cola, spices, light must, milk chocolates, tobacco and black pepper.
Full bodied and elegant with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with blueberries, plums, cherries, cedar, light vanilla, spices, espresso, cola, light herbs, vegetables, earth and peppercorn.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. The label is gone, but the cork shows the name and vintage.
Showing great complexity with a soft mouthfeel. Elegant, fruit forward and rich.
So nice right out of the bottle, and after 15 minutes of airtime, tannins show up and bring good structure to the wine.
This 36 Year old is still drinking very nicely. Didn't last more than a couple of hours, but we didn't need more than that.
I've heard of bottle variation in this vintage. We got lucky this time.
A fantastic wine that I couldn't stop smelling. What a beautiful nose.
Such a great experience tasting this aged wine.
94 points.
September 17, 2022 - From a magnum sourced directly from the chateau. Cork was in amazing shape. Slightly bricking on the rim and a little funk on the nose immediately after opening, as noted by others here. This wine is hitting on all cylinders. Clay-like tannins make for a great mouthfeel and perfectly complement the red fruit and herbaceous palate. Super.
March 3, 2022 - 10/2/2021 - ROBMATIC WROTE: 95 Points
Great bottle. Slight funk upon opening, but cleared rapidly to reveal a wine of utmost charm. Old school, but it was an awesome school.
I can’t improve on this. He is spot-on. Exact same experience!
October 2, 2021 - Great bottle. Slight funk upon opening, but cleared rapidly to reveal a wine of utmost charm. Old school, but it was an awesome school.
December 28, 2020 - Past it’s prime and lost all of its fruit flavor
December 4, 2020 - A wine that requires a lot of decanting a good 2 hours minupimu. To evolve into what is a truly age defying wine. Frankly if it wasn’t for the comments below and the provenance of this bottle we would worry it was a touch spiked and then resold as both the label and energy of the wine are beyond its age.
Ok the fruit is there but it’s not young fruit but it’s also vibrant and full of intensity, good evolution but not as earthy as we expected and this felt to be even young and worry how much density of fruit this had as a young wine. Dark fruited , rich big tannin but all in good harmony. An impressively young 1986 . 93
November 15, 2020 - Opened for Sunday Night football. Nose of black berry, black cherry, dusty summer road, and cigar box, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, rich fruit, mouth filling fruit, old style California Cabernet Sauvignon showing at its best today, has peaked and is a pleasure to sip and savor today, and a medium/long finish. Uploaded photo showing heavy bottle sediment due to proper storage.
April 25, 2020 - Bought a case of this and it has been a pleasure to drink starting a few years ago. When young it was a wonderful bomb of fruit and tannin then it went dumb in my cellar for at least 10 years. It has now matured with the tannins still there but softened a great deal finally allowing the fruit to appear. Cork was in pristine shape with only a 3/8 inch run up the cork. Some Bordeaux like funk on opening but revealing a lot of cedary notes and a hint of tobacco. The dark berry fruit is now prominent but the tannin is still very noticeable but not obnoxious. Finished a little short but still fresh tasting even after two nights open . A subtle tobacco note compliments the dark cherry fruit on night two. Drink now probably best but can hold another 2-3 years. Good old style California cabernet.
April 20, 2020 - Upon opening hint of blackberry with Smokey and slightly musty aroma. As it opened taste of black cherry with hints of chocolate and fruit aroma. Dark red color held, bright for the age. Private collection 750 ML bottle mostly in wine cellar possibly compromised with move(s).