Decanted 30 minutes then sampled over two hours. Paired with wagyu steaks after a rainy day in a fishing boat. WON! Slightly preferred over impeccable 05 Staglin Estate and delicious 09 Corliss . Lovely floral, earthy nose with slight hint of tar or scorched earth which took about 30 minutes to fully evolve. Impressive for me to find as much fruit after almost 25 years. Tannins nicely refined.. A full bodied and rich wine. I wouldn’t expect further improvement with age, nor would I be in a rush to drink up. Easily expect 5 yrs. at this level.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very dark red color with a 5mm transitional margin. Decanted and drank a glass over 3 hours. Great nose, starting with cigar, smoke, tar, blackberry and plum. The nose slowly evolved over the next hour to show a perfume that now showcases the blackberry, boysenberry, pencil and deep dried forest floor earthiness with cocoa nuances. The palate shows a core of lovely purple fruits, blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, and plum notes, followed by dried wood, and pencil notes over time and a hint of cherry. The tannins are fine grained and this has that Montelena class. Loved watching this evolve over the evening. This just edged out a wonderful '05 Staglin. 94+pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was a really pretty wine. Still had some tannins left in the back of the throat, but this wine is ready to drink. It won't get better but it has a couple of years at its current level.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
this bottle was all magic. Opened and decanted for 2 hours. When poured after 2 hours the nose was still closed and the wine was short and just not structured. Left it on the side and drank the Heitz and came back to my glass after 30min... and it then you feel it that this wine is just waiting to transform, kept coming back and every time the wine gained in intensity and structure until it became one of the best California cabs I have had the pleasure to taste. A tour de force and a testament to great wine making. Keeping the drinker captivated and just waiting to have another sip. Magical
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tried another bottle of this after one last week, decanted at 4pm and tasted from 7pm through 10pm with half a bottle corked up and will be had tomorrow. Served with grilled steaks. Great with the food, but like the last bottle a little tight and reticent alone both before and after dinner. 13.9% ABV) It is a nearly opaque dark garnet that seems to had density and viscosity but is very tight and unyielding so far by itself (more tomorrow). Nose is floral, earthy and minerally (wet stones) but the fruit seems reluctant. Palate shows a little red and black berries with hints of black plum, black raspberry and cassis. Finish is long but slightly astringent at this point and expresses a lot of licorice/anise. So far this, like the last bottle was not the best example I have had (best one I had scored 95 in 2018). Will see about day 2…
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Birthday Party-6 MAGNUMS (Walnut Creek, Ca.): From a magnum, nose of black berry, cigar box, and black currants, same on the palate, big body tasty, slightly tired, mouth filling fruit, long finish, uploaded photo, last place today.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted at 2 pm for dinner later this evening. The wine is a slightly translucent dark garnet. Upon opening this had an effusive nose of red florals, spices and plummy fruit. Palate was very closed yet showed more red than black fruit. There was some vanilla and lavender notes and a slightly tannic, bitter finish. Pretty typical of Montelena that needs aeration. More later… Very nice with dinner of grilled NY strip steaks. Elegant and refined if somewhat reticent. It showed lots of plum and red currant, lavender, tart cherry, some vanilla and hints of licorice but was really very primary still after 5+ hours. Missing the next gear that at least one previous bottle had showed. Will check in again tomorrow. End of day 2 this was starting to get richer with some darker fruit notes and some earthiness that was not there before. I got some pomegranate and boysenberry and the texture got richer and more chewy. Still have a little to check tomorrow. Still evolving and it was a little better still with richness on the palate but the nose has faded. Overall, not my best experience with this wine but I will try another soon.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and drank over a few hours side by side with a 1999 Jones family Cabernet. The cork looked like a newer bottle and surprisingly all primary notes for the first hour plus. After a few hours typically of a Mintelena, the tertiary notes started to show. This is in a good place with plenty of life left. Initislly, the Jones was more enjoyable, but as time passed the Montelena caught up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From a magnum. Floral dark fruits and cigar box. Full bodied and balanced with blackberry, casiss. Really in perfect spot. Hints of raisin; blinded, would have thought the wine was made using appasimento technique.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Rarities dinner “Spectacular Californians” late Nov 2021: dark rubin red color; bouquet of cassis, cherries, mint and violets; balanced and round on the palate.
This one was best in the first 20 minutes. 93-94/100 Over the course of 2 hours the wine lost gradually on appeal. Hence ended with a 90-91/100 rating.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
decanted 45 min, in the glass for 3 hours. color youthful dark garnet; Calistoga loamy black earth, black currant, leather & granular oak; med+ bodied; leanly fruited, tho concentrated, soil, mint, dusty fine-silt tannins.
best w/food, the black mineral quotient matched the mineral steak. direct Montelena style in a closer to the vest presentation.
grilled prime strip; roasted red creamers; garlicky creamy escarole
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Excellent showing for this vintage with good richness of black currant fruit balanced well by crisp acidity and good freshness. Still fairly structured and the finish is complex and uplifting with notes of minerals and sweet tobacco.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep red, light bricking but nothing to indicate its age. Sweetness on the nose. Big body, ripe, medium+ on alcohol. Silky light tannin on mid-palate, tannin on finish with a light hint of dryness. Seems like a left bank bordeaux.
At 22, there isn't much sign of a clear rim and the core remains inky black. Bright, rich, black and red fruits with menthol, mint, and earthiness. There's terrific minerality here that you don't always find in Napa cabs. The tannins are grippy and stick to your teeth. This will go another three decades.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Surprisingly full flavored for a 21 years older CA cab. full nose and palette. bouquet of berries, hint of ash. smooth finish decanted for two hours note: this held up much better than a ‘97 Peter Michael Les Pavots.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine was a revelation. Expected it to be starting the downslope soon, it was clear this wine was right in its prime, close to peak. Lots of black fruit with great structure and smooth tannins. No sign of bricking yet, this wine has many years before starting down. Drank from a magnum, which helps ageing, this wine was beautiful. Perfect for Thanksgiving foods. Wish I had more.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Blowing in the Wind (Rocknroller's (Kevin & Vicki's Place)): Very dark red color with a 7mm transitional margin. PNP, drank several glasses over 3 hours. Dried leaves on the nose, light eucalyptus, a little menthol, lots of pencil and saddle leather, wild mountain dark berries, cassis, boysenberry. The palate shows tart red cherry, black fruits, cassis, blackberry, scorched earth, minerals and wood notes on a full bodied and nicely balanced frame. Excellent bottle - thanks Gary.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Smooth and dustier than the 2000. Initially no fruit compared to the 2000 and the 2001. After a few hours this evolved very nicely and the nose became very fruity and enticing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cork was a mess and crumbled. The wine was perfect though and seems to be in a very good place right now. Super fine with wood grilled steaks. Tannin is fully integrated. Blue fruit and cedar, maybe some cinnamon/nutmeg too? Very nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Given recent tasting notes, I was a little concerned about this one. However, cork was pristine and looked no different than a 5 year old bottle. Decanted for 1 hour. Fruit was still present and tannins had softened. This was just humming and in a great place. Not sure it gets better, but will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
As in previous bottles, the cork broke upon extraction. Initially, a load of cedar and tobacco on nose detecting from fruit. Took a few hours in the decanter before it truly opened up and showed a softer, fuller nature.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The most resolved of tonights wines. Softer, baby powder tannins left. Redder fruit, less acidity. A hint of raisin on the nose so secondary characteristics in play but no tertiary as of yet. For those who like the tertiary, wait another 3-5 years and they'll be there. Just a beautiful wine.
Drank New Year's Eve at Tryon's. Decanted over an hour and served next to 1989 Pichon Baron. This was considered by everyone much better. Tasted fresh, balanced and still vibrant. Good nose and great overall flavors. Wish I had more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decades of Decadence - "The 9's" (Buellton, CA): Aromatics of paprika, spices, florals and currants – very expressive. Vibrant fruit on the palate, showing plenty of primary fruit and totally integrated secondary depth. Silky and fine structure, with fresh acidity. Finishes with elegant depth and length.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decades of Decadence -- the '9' Edition (Our Favorite Spot in Buellton, CA): This was an easy wine to overlook amidst a lineup of heavy hitters, many of which were less restrained than this elegant wine. Still youthful, with an Old World elegance despite the rich red fruit. I really liked its purity. Should hold for decades, too.
Saturday night at The Papies (The Papies, Elizabeth St, London): A year since we had this last (Papies 91) and easily walking down the good path. Still very young and decanting felt essential and post a good 2 hours of it the wine was in its youthful stride. New world ripeness but with an old school restraint as many of the these less ripe vintage 90s Napa wines are. Bright fruit, just showing some glimpses of development on the secondary side but also super solid structure. Very solid 92 and with a lot of time in the tank
Celebrating 20th Anniversary Dinner at State Bird Provisions. Saw a little air before we got to this and consumed over two hours. Beautifully restrained power and elegance. Kirsch, black cherry, leather, soy, plum and tea. Nicely balanced with fine integrated tannins making for a beautiful finish. Can go an easy 7 or 8 more years.
Delicious! At 20 years, this once again proves that Cali cabs (at least from that era) can age beautifully. This is till full of juicy fruit but with nice secondary development and complexity. This has a solid structure that will help it age at least another 10 years. Leather and bacon with stewed blackberries and some menthol and eucalyptus.
375 ml. Big deposit. Dark with brick edge. Nose is slightly oxidized, with licorice, leather, balsamic and dark liquuer-like fruit. Palate is dark fruit, licorice, graphite with some fresh fruit, still. Acid refreshes and the tannin shows some rawness on the long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
In my cellar since release. Decanted at 3pm and tasted from 7-11pm. Youthful, nearly opaque dark garnet with no sign of any bricking. Cedar and savory spice on the nose gives way with some swirling to a hint of vanilla, tobacco, licorice and black plum. Palate is rich and luxurious with a little tannic biter and good acidity. Fruit is plum and dark berry that is clearly California in nature but nicely balanced with the savory and mineral elements. Complex and layered on the palate with some black tea and a hint of chocolate. Finish is long and savory and slightly herbal.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted at a restaurant for about 30 minutes before beginning to drink. Very youthful, given the age. Floral, light and well rounded. Long finish that starts right in the middle of the young and lasts for a good 30 seconds. Overall, this wine was on the lighter bodied side, but drinking fantastic and well put together.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
In my cellar since release...decanted at 4pm and tasted from about 8-11pm. Like all Montelena Estate Cabs this needs the time to breathe if you want to experience the wine at its best. The last drops in this case were the best. It is a dense dark garnet that is slightly translucent. The nose is floral, leathery, earthy, with black currant and plum fruit. Despite moderatly high ABV (13.9%) it seems quite balanced to me. It has a elegant light but lively mouth feel and lots of layers of flavor ranging from earthy leather and cedar to plum, currants, blackberry and tea with some licorice on the finish which lasts a good 30-45 seconds. This was one of the better bottles of this vintage I have had.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pre Chistmas Dinner at The Papies (The Papies, Elizabeth St, London): Opened , decanted and served and in a way this was wasted as it was not open at all and maybe it required its time to open up. Definitely saving our next bottle for another 5yrs. We served it blind and people even debated if this was cab sauv. Quite rich, dark fruited but lacked a definition and definitely lacked charm. A lot of stuffing here, 14% Alc is on the ok side, good rich fruit, still very much fruit dominated and shows very little in terms of secondary side. A good 90-91 for now but needs time we feel..
From magnum. Deep purple. Nice nose of dark fruit and hints of leather and pepper. Still super young on the palate. Lush (yet reasonably light on its feet) dark fruit (plums, blackberries), some earthy aspects, and tobacco. Still a fair amount of tannin on the finish. At last in magnum this has not peaked yet, probably still a fair number of years away. While not as old school as 1970's Montelena (and probably up through the 1987 vintage, perhaps even 90/91), but still reasonably classic in build and structure, just with higher profile and more prominent fruit and more alcohol making it somewhat less engaging than earlier years. Hopefully will have a next bottle in 5+ years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Still quite youthful, needed 2-3hrs in a decanter to open up and show some aromatics. Nice nose of dark fruit and a little pyrazine. Palate was lush, polished, with concentrated dark red fruit, spice, and a little tobacco. Classic Napa, youthful but enjoyable now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Château Montelena Vertical: This is quite comparable to the ‘00 although less opulent as well as less harmonious. The black fruit on the nose has some rusticity. Although less fleshy and flashy as the ‘00 this does have a layer of earthy nuance that is more interesting. Palate is classic with some leathery development in the red fruit. Can imagine this going nicely with a NoMad burger.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice wine with class and finesse, though this bottle was clearly showing some age. Initial nose of stewed tomatoes blew off quickly with a few minutes in the decanter, evolving to cocoa and currant notes with some modest oak in the background.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
PnP. Blew off an early "grandma's house" funk within minutes, and this was hitting on all cylinders. Primary, secondary and tertiary notes all in balance. Tannins gone, oak gone, but complimentary wood notes along with cherry iron earth notes. Could've been an aged Bourdeaux. The sommelier even asked for small pour...gladly complied. A complete smorgasbords of delicious flavors. Played well with a bison ribeye and when paired with a chocolate cream brûlée, brought out the best in both the wine and the dessert. Mrs. Geaux even drank more than her usual share. Sadly, my last bottle...for now.
Very fruity and sweet when just opened. It is still young. Decanted for 7 hours, it changed greatly and was great, showing the years in it. This is the wine to be aged. Food pairing with teppanyaki, wonderful!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
On a visit to Montelena back about five years, our guide said this was one of his favorites. Indeed it shows that Napa cab can age gracefully and with revelation. Onto secondary notes, complex, fully integrated, this is a note that anyone who has bought this by the case should make certain to defer consumption on enough to drink them older, and you will be well rewarded for your patience. And glory be, no migraine for my wife.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very dark red/purple color. Decanted for an hour. Nicely earthy, red and black fruits, graphite, mineral nose. the palate is full bodied, red fruit, earthy, cassis, round tannins, graphite and plenty of soil infused minerality.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
I've had the 1999 vintage sitting in my cellar for, well, about 17 years. And patience is paying off. This bottle is in it's sweet spot right now and probably could easily go another 10 years before any hint of deterioration sets in. Bob Parker gave it a 95 points which is higher than what I think it deserves, but it's still a great Napa cab.
Tanins are still strong and there's still some good fruit. The nose is muted which is consistent with other Montelena cab's I've had in the past. The color doesn't show any orange brick color yet. Long finish. All in all, I'm happy this this bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow, what a great wine. PnP and drank over 90 min. Cork pulled with no problems and a quarter inch of sediment attached. Earthy mineral nose with a faint hint of blood iron without being overly barnyard like a Bourdeaux. Palate was heaven. Tannins have fully integrated with hints of wood that pass quietly. Cherries of all colors explode on the palate as the finish lingers leaving you wondering "OMG where did that come from and where can I get more?" Cola and iron are faint and compliment the short and midterm notes that pale in comparison to the finish. Was a little concerned about the lower CT scores, but this appears to have aged beautifully.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for 1 hr. Still tight, after about 30 mins in the glass it really started to show. Huge nose, inky purple color, no bricking, good acid and tannins, medium finish 25-30 seconds. Not a fruit bomb like most heavily extracted CA cabs, styled more like a Bordeaux blend. Paired it with rosemary and garlic lamb chops. I think this bottle is in a good drinking window now and still has a number of years left.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opened for about an hour prior to consuming. Classic California Cabernet. Cherry, tobacco, earth, smoked meat, soft tannins. Really in a nice place with balance and smooth finish -- also paired well with our roast for dinner. Still held up well over the next day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Soft and smooth. Nice subtle flavors of cherry cola, rare meat, charcoal, and a tart finish. I love these older wines. Lower alcohol and you can drink a ton of it without getting hurt.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Double decanted two bottles. They took a little while to open up but were very nice. the corks were a bit fragile but not too bad. there was a fair amount of sediment in the bottles. This is a great wine but I am not sure I would keep it around much longer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Splash decanted and brought to a restaurant shared with spouse and friends. Fruit is pure with classic Cabernet characteristics (kirsch, black cherry) along with some soy and sandal wood. Tannins are nicely integrated. This should have no problem lasting another decade.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was really good. Perhaps it showed better than 94. This held its own with a 1997 Harlan "The Napa Valley Reserve" we drank it with. Still powerful, full bodied, sexy, smooth, loads of cherries. See previous notes Needs a few hours to show its best.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Little age showing in the deep crimson/violet color; light, smoky oak on the nose, then gorgeous, deep, dark plum fruit, some nice complexity starting to creep in, still very youthful though the tannins have resolved enough to make this a very pleasurable wine even this early. A mistake to have opened this bottle, it needs another decade to really hit its stride, then will probably easily go another past that.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow. I couldn't ask for more. Drank this one in a pop and pour scenario. The wine did not have a big aroma but had good dark color and a surprising amount of nice fruit remaining. The tannins had resolved and the whole package was enjoyable. the cork was in good shape. I think this vintage may last a while longer but the question is ... why temp fate. Its very nice right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
After a 1 hour bath in my decanter, this gem was vastly superior to anything I've had in the past few months. Favors that popped include current and berry but the finish went on for almost a full minute. Definitely recommend this highly.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of lavender, plums and black currants. Flavors of plums, currants and black berries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. No rush but the nose is intoxicating right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A Decadent Night of 1990's Napa Cabs and Bordeaux (Chez Dalluge, MN): Very dark red/purple color. Slow-O for 30 minutes, no decant. Drank 1 glass over 4+ hours. This was much more introverted than the others on the nose; it opens gradually over 30-40 minutes, with plenty of fresh cut cedar; and showing a much denser, deeper black fruit essence with plenty of spice, graphite and tar (later). The palate has a depth of black fruits, kirsch, sour black cherry, glycerin, soil, savory with roasted meat. Full bodied and a bit chewy. This needs some decanting yet and should see its zenith in another 5 years, though it looks to remain bigger in style.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Once again the cork broke in two pieces and was difficult to extract. Cedar primary and black fruit secondarily on nose. Nice blackberry flavors, smooth and elegant. Tannins reduced. Decanted 90+ minutes.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Purple to ruby deep color. Clean, medium plus nose, cassis, leather, black fruit. Concentrated flavors of dark cherry, cassis, leather, tobacco. Nice acidity and tannic balance. Long finish, beautiful wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This bottle exceeded expectations. 1999 was not a stellar vintage for Montelena but we popped and poured and 45 minutes later it was seamless and pleasing to all.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decent, but expected better. Tight and short finish even after 2 hours in decanter. Some fruit and hints of underlying earth that never came to the fore. May be in a closed period. Hints of a better wine underneath and, as always, well made. Try again in 2016-2017
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Awesome Napa Cabernet Tasting (Hillside, Montelena, Mayback and more) (Minneapolis, MN): Decanted originally for 90 minutes and that is about the perfect amount of time. I would consume the whole bottle at that point as the later pour was not nearly as good. Medium purple. Floral, cherry, minerals, plum, tobacco and earth centered. While there was nice fruits it featured more secondary character. Smooth tannins and I would recommend consume me now as the wine is peaking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Hi End Napa Cabs with an Haut Brion Kicker (Gary's Place, Hudson, WI): Very dark red-purple color. Decanted for 90 minutes initially. Drank two 2oz pours over 3.5hrs. This was just singing on round one. Another great perfumed nose, amazingly floral, like sticking your face in a fresh bouquet, bright berries, a hint of mint, licorice, dried raspberries, dry forest floor, and hints of cedar. The palate has nice intensity, great mouthfeel, it's all about balance and finesse, wow, wonderful, plum, mulberry, dried berries, earth, minerals, and a very, very long finish - 100+ seconds. This was arguably the best wine the first go round, but it stayed in the decanter for the next 2-3 hours and the second pour while still excellent had lost a touch of the luster. I think a 90 minute decant is about perfect right now. For the first 2 hours in glass this was 95-96pts and round two was 94pts. My #2 WOTN and group #3 by a hair.
I didn't decant this but let the first glass aerate for about 30 minutes in the glass after the first sip. Dark purple color with light brownish rim; opaque. The nose seems "sweet" with cassis, blackberries, and cocoa. Cassis, mint, and vanilla are expressed on the palate with an intense and long finish. On the final glass, I was picking up some raspberry notes as well but predominantly dark fruits and cocoa. Smooth, integrated, balanced, and ready to go. Some fine sediment. I enjoyed this with sirloin tips and strips of bell pepper.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
At a visit to Montelena two years ago we had a discussion with staff in the tasting room as we've been buying on allocation since 1990 and several offered that the 1999 was their favorite out of the last two decades. We poured this at our favorite Palm Beach place La Sirena blinded and it fulfilled the Montelena staffers. Has probably 10 or more years left- fully mature - wonderful balance between the tannins and fruit and a lengthy finish and this was with a PNP. The final bottle will wait another four or five years. I'd table this with any of the Napa big boys without a hesitation
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
What a treat to open a split of this on a random Monday. Nose is subtle but not restrained. Classic Napa. Dark fruit and spice aromas. Flavors are still huge but perfectly integrated. Not a harsh bit. Toasty oak and cocoa nibs. Long long finish. Thank you Montelena for making it easy to get 375s.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark red, closed at first taste. Decanted for over an hour and still a brooding cab. Lots of structure, just not showing off much. Nose of blackberry, cedar and maybe cigar box, but subtle. Balanced with a long finish. More open on day 2. This has years of life left. I won't open another bottle til 2015. Cellared at 55 since release.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep, dark and opaque, more purple than normal for Montelena Estate. Decanted around 6 pm and drunk from 7:30 -9:30pm. Initial bouquet is of sweet oak, blackberry jam and bacon. Flavors still closed and dominated by the jammyness. It seemed still quite closed so I ran it through a Venturi several times. It softened a bit and displayed some strawberry, tart cherry and licorice. My conclusion is that it need lots more age and more breathing. If there was anything left from the bottle I bet it would be great tomorrow. For now a modest score but expecting it to improve dramatically in 5+years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really enjoyed this. Tasted along a 94 Mondavi, 94 Las Cases, 01 Caymus and some others. Still some fruit present with a great nose of balance between black olive, herbal and dark fruit. Cedar and tobacco become very present with a little time. Silky, dusty tannins that are well integrated. A solid Napa Cab.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
very good but can definitely go longer. I popped and poured but should have decanted. Will decant several hours for the next bottle. Very complex, heavy and deep, even 14 years later.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cork broke in two parts, but the wine was fine. Still balanced and smooth, but not as expressive as previous bottles. Decanted for 90 minutes before tasting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted as part of a vertical tribute to Jim Barrett. What really came accross was the remarkable consistancy from year to year. Lush fruit with the tanins still present enough to help maintain sime structure to the wine. Savory nose of herb and camphor leading to a rich palate. We sampled the 91,94,97,99,01,02 and 05 and all outstanding with the exception of the 05' Complared to the rest it appeard a little "off".
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
A great bottle in honor of the memory of the late Jim Barrett. A little cedar and cigar box when first opened. Based on the notes of others, we decanted for about 90 minutes before enjoying with dinner. A very well balanced effort. Soft tannins, long finish that well reflected the nose. Farewell Jim. Thank you. This vintage is just getting better. Bravo!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Delicious dark, black fruit, tightly wound, well structured. This wine has lots of time left. Drank in .375L and decanted for an hour. I wouldn't try next bottle for a couple years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted non blind. Opened and decanted about one hour before serving.
Garnet to perhaps dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of violets, plums, cherries and currants. Flavors of plums, cherries and light notes of currants. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. No rush. Should be long lived. Throwing just a little bit of sediment.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep garnet color leads to a funky nose of cedar, mushroom and cassis. After 90 minutes in decanter the funk blows off leading to a very nice mature Napa cab. I do not think this will improve with any age but should hold for at least another 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From a half bottle purchased on release from the winery. Nose shows some nice signs of a wine starting to develop, with hints of earth and old wood, still dominated by deep crushed berries; color is deep, dark, opaque garnet, showing little sign of age; no surprise, the palate is consistent with the nose, still quite youthful, dark cabernet fruit, with excellent acidity, fine tannins, and great overall balance. In its early youth this wine was an intense explosion of perfect fruit. Some of that youthful intensity has dissipated, leaving a wine that is almost brooding and reserved, as if in a cocoon waiting to unfold and fly at some point in the future - probably the distant future. To drink now, I would suggest a decant of a few hours, but really recommend keeping under wraps for another 8-10 years at least.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted blind. Sweaty, leathery nose. Muted palate, not showing much other than some hidden black fruit. Let them rest or air them out, though this saw a lot of air. Drinkable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Served from a 375ml, the wine seems to be kinda on its way out. Rustic earth and spice driven qualities. Rustic cherries, barnyard and some serious leather action. Palate is austere and not at all ripe. Quite Bordeaux like or older Napa Cabernet. Bottle may have been stored a bit warm at one point. Still nice and enjoyable with some air.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Popped n poured. After drinking younger wines beforehand, this one seemed quite mature. Given it was the end iof the night, didn't get to note the wines positives. Just tasted old and not right for tonight.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cork was dry and broke, but wine ended up fine. Darkeend as it opened up. Typical Montelena, if a little less intense than some of the other vintages. 2nd day, quite a bit of tobacco and cedar
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From .375. Surprisingly young-looking, ruby-colored wine. Cork in exc.condition. Overall great balance, dark cherry/blackberry nose, consistent palate with excellent fruit, medium finish. It has developed a few interesting secondary notes in its 12 year life; indeed has a Cal/Bordeaux blend thing going, leading me to think that it has 5-10 years more life in which to improve. Whether the fruit holds is the question, but given the stuffing and youthful color of this wine (especially for a half bottle), it would seem to be a good bet. Very nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and started drinking at 1 hour. Deep purple color, great legs, fantastic nose noticable as soon as opened. First glass was a little closed and tannic. After 2 hours, opened up. Smooth, strong on the palate. Huge black cherry, a little ripe plum. A great wine, drinking well right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fantastic! This wine holds true to the Estate Cabernet. Loud, bold and full of fruit. High alcohol lets you know what you're drinking from aroma to blackberry and leather-laced finish. Just a great wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
As someone noted, this is a fine balance between a CA and Bordeaux wine. A little tight and unrevealing at first, but over the course of a few hours it opened up nicely. Smooth, soft fruit and that earthy, mature taste of a 12 year+ Cab. I don't think this is going to last another 10+ years, but the last glass at the 6 hour mark was the best - so maybe.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Out of 375, fully mature, classic cab with pronounced secondary notes at this stage, drinking well out of 375 but 750s should have a few more years to go
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Needed about 90 minutes to open, but then showed well - as usual, a nice balance between California and Bordeaux. Dark color, plenty of structure, cool, restrained fruit and a good wine with food. A-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine was tasted in unblinded fashion at the Vintage Wines, Ltd. wine bar. The robe is a youthful opaque ruby and the nose shows aromas of Morello cherries, iron and assorted spices. Full-bodied on the palate, with low-to-medium acidity, big sweet tannins, well-integrated alcohol and black fruit-dominated flavors. The middle palate is solid and the medium-length finish is fairly smooth. This is a very nice wine which is still quite young at age 11. It is a bit unidimensional at this point but may merit a higher score with a bit more time in bottle. Drink now-12/25.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Uninteresting on open, but after an hour in the carafe, emerged as a smooth, somewhat restrained, cab. Tannins were well integrated, fruit was not at all showy. Easy drinking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very nice nose upon opening of dark berry. Rim showed some age. A well-balanced and not over the top Napa cab. Not overly complex or exciting, but still a nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Flavor changes quite a bit over time. Tasted young after about 30 minutes but when it got to 60, opened up really nicely with lots of red fruit, plum, a little leather and cigar box. Overall, we really enjoyed it but still think it could benefit from a few more years in the bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This isn't your usual Napa Cab. At 11 YO it's at the beginning of it's time. This is much more like an old Bordeaux with it's iron/ graphite core, lighter mid-palate and a hint of green pepper. After several hours it starts to turn into the deep chalky, purple beauty that reminds me of an old Puy Lacoste or Talbot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Signature Montelena nose, followed by a mid-weight palate of black currant fruit with a mild note of dried herbs. This was given 60+ minutes in the decanter and seemed to improve over the second hour, but didn't show as well after that. I actually thought the '98 was a touch better, based on the 3-4 bottles of that wine I consumed within the past year or so.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I think this wine is in a good place right now. Balanced with nice acid, medium tannins and still some dark fruit. A little bit of funk on the nose with dark cherries, plum and a little spice on the palate. Drinking well new and could probably hold for a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark fruits, distinctive Cabernet nose. Like many Cabernets in this price range a very well balanced wine, though not spectacular. Glad I tried a Montelena Estate - a very good wine with steak at Columbia Restaurant in Tampa.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Youthful wine with abundant fruit and complexity and very balanced. This, like most Montelenas has a very long life ahead of it and will only get better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and opeded at Berns for the Montelena tasting with Bo Barrett. Fairly closed in the first couple of hours but by the 5th hour really opened up. Very balanced with notes of cherry, tobacco/cedar with a black tea/mushroom/cherry midpalte with a nice medium finish of silky tannins. Lot's of structure here with good acidity. 93+ May yet improve with age, I will try again in 3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
excellent, complex.had this wine after few glasses of v good BDX of similar age and we (group of 6) people hve agreed that this was on par, with this being the winner for some of us
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
It's a Thursday night but I feel like drinking something decent to watch the Red Sox and Bruins games. Open up and did a quick decant. Some sediment but not bad. After a half hour it started to open up alittle giving camphor and cedar box aromas. Initialy was very reticent on the palate. Over three hours it gradulally started to offer up more of what the nose promised, cigar box with still young cherry and dark fruit. The tanins were in check. They were there but not harsh. This still needs another few years to really strut its' stuff but is very enjoyable now with some time in the decanter.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow, very smooth and elegant with a long finish. Still showing nice but restrained fruit and a little St Estiphe-style character (pencil lead, leather, cedar). Good solid mouth-feel.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
this was absolutely excellent. complex nose full of typical cab notes mouth oppulent yet soft and long finish. Half of the bottle was properly conserved and consumed two days later and it was even more stunning. Having said that, I have a strong view that there is more goodies to come here. Thus will not rush drinking remaining bottles
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very smooth wine. Tannins have softened out nicely. Did not have a chance to decant or would have opened up more I'm sure, nonetheless nice drinker. Very opulent nose of fruit. Nicely balanced with medium finish. Believe this one is at top and will onlly loose the hints of fruit that are left. One left in cellar - time to finihsh this one off soon.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This bottle was decanted just prior to drinking. Classic California Cab. Cedar, dark fruits, and wet stone on the nose. Ultra-ripe cherries and cedar on the palate with just a bit of tannin. This wine is drinking well now and should be fabulous over the next couple of years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is a profound and complete wine decanted one hour prior to enjoying I have little to add to my note from 2 years ago but the cassis and cedar are on the nose and cassis and cherry on the tongue. Long superlative finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
tight upon opening but really opened in the decanter. Really special after an hour. Deep color, spice on the finish. Would have been even better if it was decanted for 2 hours or so before drinking. Probably great to keep cellared for a while as well.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark Ruby color. I took one whiff of this, looked at my wife and said "This smells like Napa." Classic, well made Napa-Cab. Enticing nose black currant, dark fruits, some leather and earth. The palate delivered on the promise of the nose. Just an outstanding wine all around. Still extremely young and has an untold amount of years ahead of this. It was only getting better as we reached for the last glass...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Chateau Montelena Tasting (Sportsman's): Dark ruby color. Plumb nose. Tastes of blackberry, currant, leather and earth. Firm tannins. Dry rustic finish with some green character. Lacking in complexity and depth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not the usual montelena cab, and not the same note as the 99 from a year ago. this bottle, out of 375, is a little disjointed, with lots of tannins, acidity, alcohol (almost too much alcohol) and fruit but it doesnt all come together. on the nose lots of coffee / mocha, with plenty of dark fruits and alcohol. i hope things come together over time, for now the grade is a 90 but incomplete. Given prior performance im inclinded to give it the benefit of the doubt.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep ruby color leads to a beautiful nose of currant, blackberry, white pepper, and a hint of vanilla. The meduim-full body has wonderful flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, currant and mint with a sprinkle of sage and anise. Well integrated finish lasts 35 seconds. This is just entering its drinking window. I would recommend at least an hour decant currently for an optimal experience. Yum!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
From magnum. Dark ruby color. Black fruit nose. Tastes of blackberry, currant, violet, earth and cherry. Reasonably well balanced. Unmemorable finish. A well made wine but nothing out the ordinary. Quite disappointing especially with how much this wine costs.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wine #3 of the Birthday Week Wine Experience Decanted for 3 hours. I was really looking forward to this wine as I have had it in my cellar for nearly 9 years and it did not disappoint. In the glass it was deep purple edging toward black with some red hue toward the edge. Really beautiful to look at. Nosing the wine brought an intense and focused bouquet of ripe blackberries, plums, black cherry, cocoa powder, mint and vanilla. Full bodied with just a wonderful silky smooth mouthfeel of juicy blackberries, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, mint with hints of cedar. The finish was long and extracted with more dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla and a hint of anise. Wow, really a long, elegant and supple finish. Tannins are really soft and well integrated and their is a bright and bursting acidity that keeps it all in tremendous balance. This is a stellar Cabernet in true Montelena style. Wish I had a case left! 50+5+14+18+8=95pts.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted about 45 minutes at Two Restaurant. Not a strong nose but the soft tannins and dark cherry,/chocolate made for a great bottle. Not sure it'll get much better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Served at Moloney & Porchellie Steak House in NYC. Paled in comparison to the '05 Insignia which was easily the WOTN. Decanted & let sit in the glass for 30-40 minutes. This was flat & one dimensional, falling far short of the '03 Estate which I had recently.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The reviews on this wine range from outstanding to simply good. I found it to be very smooth and well aged. red cherries, plum, spice and cedar. very soft tannins. The wine has aged very well.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Seemed a bit thin, and may have been an off bottle. Overshadowed by a '99 Laurel Glen Reserve that was drinking very well and had more of everything. Montelena will always get the benefit of the doubt, so try again in a year. B+/A-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Hmmm...I had high hopes for this, but I really felt it was a disjointed mess. The fruit was all but gone here, and the clingy, dusty tannins are a bit much. Maybe some VA?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Chateau Montelena Vertical: Sweeter, fruitier nose, with a touch of White Out. Still massive. Red+ fruit, riper. Medium tannins, acidic, medium+ body. Relatively simple. Tastes very new.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted at winery – deep ruby, clear. Nose of earthy soil, spice, vegetation, red cherries and plum. On the palate notes of stewed red cherries, plum and cedar. Great structure on this 10 year old wine with medium to high acidity and tannins, medium body and a lengthy finish. Drink or hold. Excellent.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cassis, menthol and a hint of cherry. Starting to get into a good place. Just hitting the window, with probably two decades to go, knowing this winery.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Drinking very nicely now and worked very well with food (lamb, pork) something that many California wines have difficulty doing. Decanted for several hours and the wine opened up nicely, but the nose was still fairly closed. The bottle was served alongside a '94 Clinet and the Montelena was preferred by most of the guests.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
No formal notes. Very nice wine, yet still needs more years of cellaring or 2-3+ hours of decanting. A touch less complex than the 1999 Merus we had at the same time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted at the Vintages auction gala tasting. With a very caramel filled bouquet, this wine was almost balanced to taste yet slightly weak. I was only sold on this 50% and think it's time to drink these up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Simple and uninspiring, no harsh notes but very monolithic and tight -may have needed a longer decant or just an off bottle but nowhere near the quality or pleasure of the 1997 we had side by side
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Montelena Seminar (Binny's Highland Park, Highland Park IL): nose: tight nose that is still working itself out as it seems like some real baby fat still needs to be shed. The nose gives off tones of cassis, dark cherry, mint, and cedar. Loads of depth on the nose and it just needs some time to fully come out of its shell
taste: firm tannins that are at first a bit unforgiving with cassis, dark cherries, cedar, and drops of dark chocolate start to emerge a bit
overall: A very young wine, but one with lots of promise. The depth and layers on both the nose and palate are really there, but this really seems a good three years away from starting to really show what it has
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
No formal notes taken. Decanted a few hours before dinner and then back in the bottle. First of the '99s tried from the futures purchased years ago. A delightful wine and best of the evening. Classic Cab Sauv profile. Wonderful nose and a long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Attended the library tour at the Chateau. My wife and I were able to taste multiple vintages from the 1999 till 2002. Without talking to each other, both of us looked at each other and came to the same conclusion simutaneously, the 1999 was superb. Smooth, easy on the pallet, wonderful flavor throughout, quite complex. An all around fabulous wine.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Popped poured and drank with Noodles & Co we had for dinner. This was much better than the last bottle. Tannins were strong but not overpowering. Sweet red and black fruits, long dry finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
deep crimson. beautiful montelena nose of tannins, alcohol, and dark fruits. on the palate, dark fruits again plus a wonderful minerality. great balance, with tannins buffered by great fruit and acidity. long mouthcoating finish. still very young. lots of development left.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
tasted like it was a mid 80's Montelena, so this thing was aging rapidly. Classic Montelena with cedar, currant and well balanced oak. Probably poor storage conditions before I bought. Could not imagine declining this fast for a Momtelena
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Goof balance of tannins and fruit, classic Ch. Montelena, A little dusty and bordeau-like, the 98' was better, but this held up the Motelena image just fine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wonderful! Wine has great mouth feel, and wonderful full nose of tobacco, lavendar and maybe currant. Color - dark red with a rust color at the edges. The flavors are berries, tobacco and leather.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Had company staying for a week and couldn't resist opening this. I don't regret sharing it, but do regret not having more. Same notes as on 12/23/07. This is approaching peak, but I'd suggest waiting another 2-3 yr before drinking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep black cherry color with dark chocolate aromas, muscular tannins, full bodied flavors of cassis, earth, and mushroom. Fruit initially takes a back seat, with some air time, the wine unfolds into layers of plums and black cherry, long finish but not the blockbuster I expected.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
color:pink rim, purple core aroma:complex nose with a cool dark berry, camphorr (some say eucalyptus), and vanilla from oak palate: fruit evolved from a dark berry cassis to a cherry over the evening. The finish stayed medium long and a bit tannic . I think it is good now but has legs enough to age, too.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
not really showing to well at this stage. maybe a dumb phase. a bit herbal and green compared to most Montelena estates. Still had the nice cedar and rich fruit. Probably too young to be drinking now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opened and tried immediately. Gorgeous deep ruby color; fruity, herbal, nose; dark cherry, leather, oak, and hint of cocoa on the palate. But just a little thin. After 2 hours, it was humming. More complex, older cab secondary characteristics appearing. This has the acid backbone for longer cellearing (which is what I'll do with the remaining bottle...mabye another 5yrs if I can resist the temptation). I can see this improving measurably with time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
loved it, opened up at Mortons plenty of tannis to go some more years but I really enjoyed decanted for 45 min; deep color and balanced fruit; currant cherry,blackberries, earth tones, firm tanins slight oak and long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Tasting (Cafe Mangal, MA): This kicked off what I thought was the worst flight of the evening. Dark, this showed some nice earth notes and a strong core of the black fruit. Tannins are a bit overwhelming still here, I'd sit on remaining bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I have had this wine many times and it exhibits the most bottle variation of any california cab I have ever tasted. This one from a 375. Funky, smokey, unbalanced. Did not improve
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Vertical Tasting (Lake Forest, CA): Rather subdued aromas of black currant and sweet tobacco. Currant, dark chocolate, and loam on the palate, with some cedar on the finish. Fine-grained tannins provide a backbone for more aging potential. 88-89 points.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very tight! Still needs a few hours of decanting. Tannins still overpowering at this point. Sorry I wasted a bottle. Going to give it a few more years before I try another. That being said... still pretty tasty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Well rounded and structured wine. Strong cedar notes, great fruit. Has some serious grip here. Very dark colored and concentrated wine. This wine could use another 5 years, although it was very good after 4 hours of decanting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I don't get it.....I have been a fan of this wine prior, but no longer. This was lacking any noticeable fruit or taste......not bottle variation bc this is similar to other bottles of this vintage. Very disappointing
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Black color -- silk -- bordeaux-like; Rich nose; cassis; smooth -- balanced. It was a perfect match for the tenderloin with porcini mushroom sauce we borrowed from Anthony Boudrain's Pirate Cookbook -- the sweetness of the mushrooms and sherry in the sauce matched perfectly with the rich balance of the wine -- and the farmer's market sweet corn. A decadent sauce, and a smooth, balanced, almost delicate wine. The nose of this wine smelled like a bordeaux, with just a whiff of a Napa wine cave. Rolling Stones playing throughout the house filled out a very fine late summer evening -- can't get much better than this on a long Labor Day weekend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted July 15, 2006 at an offline. Opened and served immediately in a Riedel Vinum Cabernet glass. Garnet color in the glass, slightly dusty throughout. Nose of red berries, red cherries, a little leather that blew off with time and some red currants that show up to take its’ place. Flavors of red berries, red cherries and raspberries. Medium acidity with integrated tannins. Medium bodied. Drank solid and held it’s own for over 2-1/2 hours. This is a solid wine. Can be drank now with maybe an hour in the decanter or held for years to come. No value recommendation.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The third and final bottle we had with our Christmas prime rib. Lots of potential here - very concentrated and complex, but the wine seems closed. We didn't give it any time to open as we consumed it quickly. Should wait until at lease 2008 to try again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
4 Decades, 21 Bottles, 1 Producer- Chateau Montelena (Daniel's Broiler, Bellevue , WA): The nose was oaky and sweet with vanilla and blackberries. Oddly, it reminded me a bit of a syrah. The mouth followed the nose in it oakiness and sweetness. I really liked the ripe black fruit. As it sat in my glass it showed signs of further opening. The tannins are strong, of course, but it seems to have the fruit to match.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted February 19, 2005 at Farpointe Wine Cellars in Shott Zweisel red wine glasses. Deep purple and clear in the glass. Nose was closed. Finally gave up a little balsamic and saddle soap with a ton of swirling. Flavor of red currants, cherries and a slight metallic finish. This wine is in an awkward stage right now and just not showing well at all. Hold.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Another blind wine, this time courtesy of JoeWu and served in what appeared to be a laboratory beaker ... hmmm. Knowing Joe's passion for Cal Cabs and Aussies, those were the two major opinions. Then, someone snuck in a possible Washington comment. Could it be Quilcida Creek? I said Napa Cab, other opinions varied, but I think I heard Sonoma from somewhere. It is Sonoma right? Good Choice Joe!
The nose on this really reminded me of the great '85 Chat. Margaux, I had this fall. It was like smelling a liquid cherry sweet tart, with touches of herbs and licorice. Yummy! This has got lots of jammy fat black fruit and a great deal of acidity. The finish really builds up and glides along. This has 20 years all over it. Joe decanted at noon, tasted around 8ish and could have used more time. This and the Cinq Cepages are tied for the best '99 Cal Cab I've tasted. This may be a tad bit better.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted with Patrick, Walt and Chuck. A bit hot on the nose. On the palate this shows forbidding structure. Yet there is an amazing burst of fruit and loooong finish. Amazing juice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Served blind. This had a nose filled with dark fruit and charcoal. The tannins were firm but a bit dry. The wine was much fruitier than any of the 8 other Bordeaux at the dinner which made it stand out as something different. Definitely not old world style. It had a long finish and was medium bodied. 91 points.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted at vertical Chateau Montelena tasting at the home of Amy Weinberg. Bottle procured prior to commercial release by Ken Johnson (via futures with the winery). Deep black/purple with purple rim. Clean nose, showing intense red and black currants, vanilla, oak and mint. Full-bodied on the palate, with ample, slightly astringent tannins. Similar flavors as for the nose. Long, dry finish. Needs time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
11/26/2023 - wa2ofd Likes this wine:
Still a very big Cali cab…needs air and decant.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/21/2023 - Gunakadeit Likes this wine: 91 Points
I don’t think we gave this enough air. Pretty tight.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2023 - robertgf wrote: 94 Points
Decanted 30 minutes then sampled over two hours. Paired with wagyu steaks after a rainy day in a fishing boat. WON! Slightly preferred over impeccable 05 Staglin Estate and delicious 09 Corliss . Lovely floral, earthy nose with slight hint of tar or scorched earth which took about 30 minutes to fully evolve. Impressive for me to find as much fruit after almost 25 years. Tannins nicely refined.. A full bodied and rich wine. I wouldn’t expect further improvement with age, nor would I be in a rush to drink up. Easily expect 5 yrs. at this level.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/13/2023 - rocknroller wrote: 94 Points
Very dark red color with a 5mm transitional margin. Decanted and drank a glass over 3 hours. Great nose, starting with cigar, smoke, tar, blackberry and plum. The nose slowly evolved over the next hour to show a perfume that now showcases the blackberry, boysenberry, pencil and deep dried forest floor earthiness with cocoa nuances. The palate shows a core of lovely purple fruits, blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, and plum notes, followed by dried wood, and pencil notes over time and a hint of cherry. The tannins are fine grained and this has that Montelena class. Loved watching this evolve over the evening. This just edged out a wonderful '05 Staglin. 94+pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/20/2023 - sirwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was a really pretty wine. Still had some tannins left in the back of the throat, but this wine is ready to drink. It won't get better but it has a couple of years at its current level.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2023 - vintage_whine wrote:
Medicinal red and black fruit. It’s alive and rich, but also sorta dull. Acid isn’t I. Balance with richness of fruit
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
11/25/2022 - Hanibal Likes this wine: 96 Points
this bottle was all magic. Opened and decanted for 2 hours. When poured after 2 hours the nose was still closed and the wine was short and just not structured. Left it on the side and drank the Heitz and came back to my glass after 30min... and it then you feel it that this wine is just waiting to transform, kept coming back and every time the wine gained in intensity and structure until it became one of the best California cabs I have had the pleasure to taste. A tour de force and a testament to great wine making. Keeping the drinker captivated and just waiting to have another sip. Magical
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/9/2022 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tried another bottle of this after one last week, decanted at 4pm and tasted from 7pm through 10pm with half a bottle corked up and will be had tomorrow. Served with grilled steaks. Great with the food, but like the last bottle a little tight and reticent alone both before and after dinner. 13.9% ABV) It is a nearly opaque dark garnet that seems to had density and viscosity but is very tight and unyielding so far by itself (more tomorrow). Nose is floral, earthy and minerally (wet stones) but the fruit seems reluctant. Palate shows a little red and black berries with hints of black plum, black raspberry and cassis. Finish is long but slightly astringent at this point and expresses a lot of licorice/anise. So far this, like the last bottle was not the best example I have had (best one I had scored 95 in 2018). Will see about day 2…
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/2/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 91 Points
Birthday Party-6 MAGNUMS (Walnut Creek, Ca.): From a magnum, nose of black berry, cigar box, and black currants, same on the palate, big body tasty, slightly tired, mouth filling fruit, long finish, uploaded photo, last place today.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/2/2022 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted at 2 pm for dinner later this evening. The wine is a slightly translucent dark garnet. Upon opening this had an effusive nose of red florals, spices and plummy fruit. Palate was very closed yet showed more red than black fruit. There was some vanilla and lavender notes and a slightly tannic, bitter finish. Pretty typical of Montelena that needs aeration. More later…
Very nice with dinner of grilled NY strip steaks. Elegant and refined if somewhat reticent. It showed lots of plum and red currant, lavender, tart cherry, some vanilla and hints of licorice but was really very primary still after 5+ hours. Missing the next gear that at least one previous bottle had showed. Will check in again tomorrow.
End of day 2 this was starting to get richer with some darker fruit notes and some earthiness that was not there before. I got some pomegranate and boysenberry and the texture got richer and more chewy. Still have a little to check tomorrow.
Still evolving and it was a little better still with richness on the palate but the nose has faded. Overall, not my best experience with this wine but I will try another soon.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/19/2022 - lovemycab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted and drank over a few hours side by side with a 1999 Jones family Cabernet. The cork looked like a newer bottle and surprisingly all primary notes for the first hour plus. After a few hours typically of a Mintelena, the tertiary notes started to show. This is in a good place with plenty of life left.
Initislly, the Jones was more enjoyable, but as time passed the Montelena caught up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/21/2022 - RumRunner wrote: 94 Points
Simply a great bottle of wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/3/2022 - wa2ofd Likes this wine:
Still young, grippy! Followed a 97 that was in an hr decant so pallet may have been influenced.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/27/2022 - Shugs_Claret Likes this wine: 93 Points
From a magnum. Floral dark fruits and cigar box. Full bodied and balanced with blackberry, casiss. Really in perfect spot. Hints of raisin; blinded, would have thought the wine was made using appasimento technique.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/28/2022 - sbfoote wrote: 91 Points
Really in a good spot, cassis and graphite, good body, everything well integrated.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/27/2021 - Fatty Cat wrote: 92 Points
Rarities dinner “Spectacular Californians” late Nov 2021: dark rubin red color; bouquet of cassis, cherries, mint and violets; balanced and round on the palate.
This one was best in the first 20 minutes. 93-94/100
Over the course of 2 hours the wine lost gradually on appeal. Hence ended with a 90-91/100 rating.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/4/2021 - BoulderWine wrote: 92 Points
I thought this was slightly corked but the others didn't. Dark color with
concentrated fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/2/2021 - Hanibal Likes this wine: 93 Points
Ready to go... no more need to wait but it can stay on its plateau for a while still. Lots of cream of cassis and cigar box. Nice long aftertaste.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2021 - no leashes wrote: 91 Points
Showing very well, with dark fruit, earth and leather flavors. Paired with grilled NY strips and was great.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/6/2021 - pigdaddy wrote: 91 Points
decanted 45 min, in the glass for 3 hours. color youthful dark garnet; Calistoga loamy black earth, black currant, leather & granular oak; med+ bodied; leanly fruited, tho concentrated, soil, mint, dusty fine-silt tannins.
best w/food, the black mineral quotient matched the mineral steak. direct Montelena style in a closer to the vest presentation.
grilled prime strip; roasted red creamers; garlicky creamy escarole
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/27/2021 - dream Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent showing for this vintage with good richness of black currant fruit balanced well by crisp acidity and good freshness. Still fairly structured and the finish is complex and uplifting with notes of minerals and sweet tobacco.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/8/2021 - enthusiastic_amateur Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep red, light bricking but nothing to indicate its age. Sweetness on the nose. Big body, ripe, medium+ on alcohol. Silky light tannin on mid-palate, tannin on finish with a light hint of dryness. Seems like a left bank bordeaux.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
1/30/2021 - jgreco Likes this wine: 93 Points
At 22, there isn't much sign of a clear rim and the core remains inky black. Bright, rich, black and red fruits with menthol, mint, and earthiness. There's terrific minerality here that you don't always find in Napa cabs. The tannins are grippy and stick to your teeth. This will go another three decades.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2020 - DesMarteau Likes this wine: 94 Points
Needs an hour to open ....nice smooth blue fruits, sandle wood, cherry...melded. In a perfect drinking window .
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/7/2020 - starkravingmad Likes this wine: 94 Points
Smooth, silky. Retains fruit flavors of berry in the nose. Nicely aged
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/28/2020 - starkravingmad Likes this wine: 91 Points
Surprisingly full flavored for a 21 years older CA cab. full nose and palette. bouquet of berries, hint of ash.
smooth finish
decanted for two hours
note: this held up much better than a ‘97 Peter Michael Les Pavots.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2020 - aaronfeigin Likes this wine: 95 Points
This wine was a revelation. Expected it to be starting the downslope soon, it was clear this wine was right in its prime, close to peak. Lots of black fruit with great structure and smooth tannins. No sign of bricking yet, this wine has many years before starting down. Drank from a magnum, which helps ageing, this wine was beautiful. Perfect for Thanksgiving foods. Wish I had more.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/18/2020 - edjBoca Likes this wine: 93 Points
An elegant medium bodied expression of California Cabernet...delicious tonight after an hour or so....
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/14/2020 - rocknroller wrote: 94 Points
Blowing in the Wind (Rocknroller's (Kevin & Vicki's Place)): Very dark red color with a 7mm transitional margin. PNP, drank several glasses over 3 hours. Dried leaves on the nose, light eucalyptus, a little menthol, lots of pencil and saddle leather, wild mountain dark berries, cassis, boysenberry. The palate shows tart red cherry, black fruits, cassis, blackberry, scorched earth, minerals and wood notes on a full bodied and nicely balanced frame. Excellent bottle - thanks Gary.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/9/2020 - cab blends wrote: 94 Points
Casual flight and mix dinner; 10/9/2020-10/10/2020 (Home): NOT Blind.
Smooth and dustier than the 2000. Initially no fruit compared to the 2000 and the 2001. After a few hours this evolved very nicely and the nose became very fruity and enticing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2020 - ovenmitt wrote: 93 Points
Cork was a mess and crumbled. The wine was perfect though and seems to be in a very good place right now. Super fine with wood grilled steaks. Tannin is fully integrated. Blue fruit and cedar, maybe some cinnamon/nutmeg too? Very nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/9/2020 - AllRed wrote: 90 Points
Second Sunday Group: 2015 Chianti Classico Riservas (Eagle Brook CC): Nice mature cabernet. Cedar and black fruit tones. Fairly well-integrated tannins at this point, with red and black fruit and hints of cedar and warm spice. Medium+ finish. 90+ pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/7/2020 - lovemycab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Given recent tasting notes, I was a little concerned about this one. However, cork was pristine and looked no different than a 5 year old bottle. Decanted for 1 hour. Fruit was still present and tannins had softened. This was just humming and in a great place. Not sure it gets better, but will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/27/2020 - ktimura Does not like this wine:
Not that good
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
4/24/2020 - Alok Kapoor Does not like this wine: 82 Points
Past its prime
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/21/2020 - KSWinegeek wrote: 91 Points
As in previous bottles, the cork broke upon extraction. Initially, a load of cedar and tobacco on nose detecting from fruit. Took a few hours in the decanter before it truly opened up and showed a softer, fuller nature.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/21/2020 - KSWinegeek wrote: flawed
dank musty odor and taste that never departed even after two hours in decanter.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/19/2020 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 Points
The most resolved of tonights wines. Softer, baby powder tannins left. Redder fruit, less acidity. A hint of raisin on the nose so secondary characteristics in play but no tertiary as of yet. For those who like the tertiary, wait another 3-5 years and they'll be there. Just a beautiful wine.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (7)
1/5/2020 - levinml wrote: 94 Points
Drank New Year's Eve at Tryon's. Decanted over an hour and served next to 1989 Pichon Baron. This was considered by everyone much better. Tasted fresh, balanced and still vibrant. Good nose and great overall flavors. Wish I had more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/21/2019 - MattMauldin Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decades of Decadence - "The 9's" (Buellton, CA): Aromatics of paprika, spices, florals and currants – very expressive. Vibrant fruit on the palate, showing plenty of primary fruit and totally integrated secondary depth. Silky and fine structure, with fresh acidity. Finishes with elegant depth and length.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/19/2019 - JonnyG Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decades of Decadence -- the '9' Edition (Our Favorite Spot in Buellton, CA): This was an easy wine to overlook amidst a lineup of heavy hitters, many of which were less restrained than this elegant wine. Still youthful, with an Old World elegance despite the rich red fruit. I really liked its purity. Should hold for decades, too.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
11/24/2019 - WetRock wrote:
Classic stylings. Seems to be just coming into a good place. Give it some air right now. Or wait longer. Good stuff.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2019 - Papies wrote: 92 Points
Saturday night at The Papies (The Papies, Elizabeth St, London): A year since we had this last (Papies 91) and easily walking down the good path. Still very young and decanting felt essential and post a good 2 hours of it the wine was in its youthful stride.
New world ripeness but with an old school restraint as many of the these less ripe vintage 90s Napa wines are. Bright fruit, just showing some glimpses of development on the secondary side but also super solid structure. Very solid 92 and with a lot of time in the tank
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
11/12/2019 - ShadowIII Likes this wine: 94 Points
tasted from magnum, dark fruits, currants, blackberries, cedar, integrated tannins, long finish, youthful, years to go
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
11/2/2019 - G_H wrote: 94 Points
Licorice, creme de cassis, herbs, cherries, medium length with the alcohol fairly present, but overall delicious
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
10/30/2019 - Bellissimo wrote:
Celebrating 20th Anniversary Dinner at State Bird Provisions. Saw a little air before we got to this and consumed over two hours. Beautifully restrained power and elegance. Kirsch, black cherry, leather, soy, plum and tea. Nicely balanced with fine integrated tannins making for a beautiful finish. Can go an easy 7 or 8 more years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
10/19/2019 - nywine68 wrote: 94 Points
Delicious! At 20 years, this once again proves that Cali cabs (at least from that era) can age beautifully. This is till full of juicy fruit but with nice secondary development and complexity. This has a solid structure that will help it age at least another 10 years. Leather and bacon with stewed blackberries and some menthol and eucalyptus.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
8/17/2019 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 92 Points
The grand dame drinking beautifully and fully mature. Just a joy to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2019 - KVM wrote:
375 ml. Big deposit. Dark with brick edge. Nose is slightly oxidized, with licorice, leather, balsamic and dark liquuer-like fruit. Palate is dark fruit, licorice, graphite with some fresh fruit, still. Acid refreshes and the tannin shows some rawness on the long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2019 - Eamc2 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Still very youthful. I agree with others, it is drinking well, but there’s no need to rush. Sadly, my last bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/6/2019 - oldwines Likes this wine: 94 Points
In my cellar since release. Decanted at 3pm and tasted from 7-11pm. Youthful, nearly opaque dark garnet with no sign of any bricking. Cedar and savory spice on the nose gives way with some swirling to a hint of vanilla, tobacco, licorice and black plum. Palate is rich and luxurious with a little tannic biter and good acidity. Fruit is plum and dark berry that is clearly California in nature but nicely balanced with the savory and mineral elements. Complex and layered on the palate with some black tea and a hint of chocolate. Finish is long and savory and slightly herbal.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/30/2019 - Zhart wrote: 92 Points
Decanted at a restaurant for about 30 minutes before beginning to drink. Very youthful, given the age. Floral, light and well rounded. Long finish that starts right in the middle of the young and lasts for a good 30 seconds. Overall, this wine was on the lighter bodied side, but drinking fantastic and well put together.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2018 - oldwines Likes this wine: 95 Points
In my cellar since release...decanted at 4pm and tasted from about 8-11pm. Like all Montelena Estate Cabs this needs the time to breathe if you want to experience the wine at its best. The last drops in this case were the best. It is a dense dark garnet that is slightly translucent. The nose is floral, leathery, earthy, with black currant and plum fruit. Despite moderatly high ABV (13.9%) it seems quite balanced to me. It has a elegant light but lively mouth feel and lots of layers of flavor ranging from earthy leather and cedar to plum, currants, blackberry and tea with some licorice on the finish which lasts a good 30-45 seconds. This was one of the better bottles of this vintage I have had.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/16/2018 - Papies wrote: 91 Points
Pre Chistmas Dinner at The Papies (The Papies, Elizabeth St, London): Opened , decanted and served and in a way this was wasted as it was not open at all and maybe it required its time to open up. Definitely saving our next bottle for another 5yrs.
We served it blind and people even debated if this was cab sauv. Quite rich, dark fruited but lacked a definition and definitely lacked charm. A lot of stuffing here, 14% Alc is on the ok side, good rich fruit, still very much fruit dominated and shows very little in terms of secondary side. A good 90-91 for now but needs time we feel..
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
8/30/2018 - daved Likes this wine: 94 Points
Big and chewy. slow-oxed for 4 hours and decanted at the restaurant. Great with Bone in Filets.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/4/2018 - wine4ever Likes this wine: 92 Points
A classic. In prime window and should be for another 10+ years. Drink or hold.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/2/2018 - cadamson Likes this wine: 92 Points
From magnum. Deep purple. Nice nose of dark fruit and hints of leather and pepper. Still super young on the palate. Lush (yet reasonably light on its feet) dark fruit (plums, blackberries), some earthy aspects, and tobacco. Still a fair amount of tannin on the finish. At last in magnum this has not peaked yet, probably still a fair number of years away. While not as old school as 1970's Montelena (and probably up through the 1987 vintage, perhaps even 90/91), but still reasonably classic in build and structure, just with higher profile and more prominent fruit and more alcohol making it somewhat less engaging than earlier years. Hopefully will have a next bottle in 5+ years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2018 - Nutty08 wrote: 94 Points
Still quite youthful, needed 2-3hrs in a decanter to open up and show some aromatics. Nice nose of dark fruit and a little pyrazine. Palate was lush, polished, with concentrated dark red fruit, spice, and a little tobacco. Classic Napa, youthful but enjoyable now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/16/2018 - sbeeks Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still great fruit, very delicate. I would have sworn this was more of a Bordeaux-style blend with its elegance.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2018 - The Vines That Bind wrote: 89 Points
Château Montelena Vertical: This is quite comparable to the ‘00 although less opulent as well as less harmonious. The black fruit on the nose has some rusticity. Although less fleshy and flashy as the ‘00 this does have a layer of earthy nuance that is more interesting. Palate is classic with some leathery development in the red fruit. Can imagine this going nicely with a NoMad burger.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2017 - winejnky wrote: 91 Points
Nice wine with class and finesse, though this bottle was clearly showing some age. Initial nose of stewed tomatoes blew off quickly with a few minutes in the decanter, evolving to cocoa and currant notes with some modest oak in the background.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/8/2017 - WinoRick wrote: 91 Points
Boy, the last time I had this (from the same six pack) was 2010 and I rated it 94. This bottle had less of everything.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/16/2017 - Geaux Tigers Likes this wine: 98 Points
PnP. Blew off an early "grandma's house" funk within minutes, and this was hitting on all cylinders. Primary, secondary and tertiary notes all in balance. Tannins gone, oak gone, but complimentary wood notes along with cherry iron earth notes. Could've been an aged Bourdeaux. The sommelier even asked for small pour...gladly complied. A complete smorgasbords of delicious flavors. Played well with a bison ribeye and when paired with a chocolate cream brûlée, brought out the best in both the wine and the dessert. Mrs. Geaux even drank more than her usual share. Sadly, my last bottle...for now.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
2/5/2017 - onboisduvin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very fruity and sweet when just opened. It is still young. Decanted for 7 hours, it changed greatly and was great, showing the years in it. This is the wine to be aged. Food pairing with teppanyaki, wonderful!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/2/2017 - capacious wrote: 92 Points
On a visit to Montelena back about five years, our guide said this was one of his favorites. Indeed it shows that Napa cab can age gracefully and with revelation. Onto secondary notes, complex, fully integrated, this is a note that anyone who has bought this by the case should make certain to defer consumption on enough to drink them older, and you will be well rewarded for your patience. And glory be, no migraine for my wife.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2017 - rocknroller wrote: 93 Points
Very dark red/purple color. Decanted for an hour. Nicely earthy, red and black fruits, graphite, mineral nose. the palate is full bodied, red fruit, earthy, cassis, round tannins, graphite and plenty of soil infused minerality.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2016 - wythes wrote: 93 Points
I've had the 1999 vintage sitting in my cellar for, well, about 17 years. And patience is paying off. This bottle is in it's sweet spot right now and probably could easily go another 10 years before any hint of deterioration sets in. Bob Parker gave it a 95 points which is higher than what I think it deserves, but it's still a great Napa cab.
Tanins are still strong and there's still some good fruit. The nose is muted which is consistent with other Montelena cab's I've had in the past. The color doesn't show any orange brick color yet. Long finish. All in all, I'm happy this this bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/4/2016 - Sonoma Duck Likes this wine: 93 Points
Medium ruby, rich nose. Very long finish with elegance. Drinking in its prime right now imho. Alas, this was my last bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/20/2016 - GSW wrote: 92 Points
Popped & poured. Delicious but needed significant time in the glass to truly open up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2016 - Geaux Tigers Likes this wine: 97 Points
Wow, what a great wine. PnP and drank over 90 min. Cork pulled with no problems and a quarter inch of sediment attached. Earthy mineral nose with a faint hint of blood iron without being overly barnyard like a Bourdeaux. Palate was heaven. Tannins have fully integrated with hints of wood that pass quietly. Cherries of all colors explode on the palate as the finish lingers leaving you wondering "OMG where did that come from and where can I get more?" Cola and iron are faint and compliment the short and midterm notes that pale in comparison to the finish. Was a little concerned about the lower CT scores, but this appears to have aged beautifully.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/24/2016 - mpalestini Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for 1 hr. Still tight, after about 30 mins in the glass it really started to show. Huge nose, inky purple color, no bricking, good acid and tannins, medium finish 25-30 seconds. Not a fruit bomb like most heavily extracted CA cabs, styled more like a Bordeaux blend. Paired it with rosemary and garlic lamb chops. I think this bottle is in a good drinking window now and still has a number of years left.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/24/2016 - andolini wrote: 93 Points
Opened for about an hour prior to consuming. Classic California Cabernet. Cherry, tobacco, earth, smoked meat, soft tannins. Really in a nice place with balance and smooth finish -- also paired well with our roast for dinner. Still held up well over the next day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/21/2016 - floridawinedrkr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Soft and smooth. Nice subtle flavors of cherry cola, rare meat, charcoal, and a tart finish. I love these older wines. Lower alcohol and you can drink a ton of it without getting hurt.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/15/2016 - ctwjr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Ready to drink, balanced, soft tanins, classic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/15/2016 - ctwjr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Ready to drink, balanced, nice acidity, soft tannins, classic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/26/2016 - Redteeth wrote:
Double decanted two bottles. They took a little while to open up but were very nice. the corks were a bit fragile but not too bad. there was a fair amount of sediment in the bottles. This is a great wine but I am not sure I would keep it around much longer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/13/2016 - Bellissimo Likes this wine:
Splash decanted and brought to a restaurant shared with spouse and friends. Fruit is pure with classic Cabernet characteristics (kirsch, black cherry) along with some soy and sandal wood. Tannins are nicely integrated. This should have no problem lasting another decade.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/13/2016 - floridawinedrkr Likes this wine: 94 Points
This was really good. Perhaps it showed better than 94. This held its own with a 1997 Harlan "The Napa Valley Reserve" we drank it with. Still powerful, full bodied, sexy, smooth, loads of cherries. See previous notes
Needs a few hours to show its best.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/19/2016 - alanr wrote: 93 Points
Little age showing in the deep crimson/violet color; light, smoky oak on the nose, then gorgeous, deep, dark plum fruit, some nice complexity starting to creep in, still very youthful though the tannins have resolved enough to make this a very pleasurable wine even this early. A mistake to have opened this bottle, it needs another decade to really hit its stride, then will probably easily go another past that.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2016 - TJK Likes this wine: 94 Points
Gorgeous classic Montelena Estate Cab. Great way to ring in the new year!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/23/2015 - CJM wrote: 90 Points
Clear garnet. Vanilla, plum, cassis. Low acids. Medium to low tannins. Cigar box,leather. Medium balanced finish. Swezey house.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/23/2015 - CJM wrote: 90 Points
Clear garnet. Vanilla, plum, chassis. Low acids. Medium to low tannins. Cigar box,leather. Medium balanced finish. Swezey house.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/16/2015 - floridawinedrkr Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow. This was spectacular. Smooth and pure. Sour cherries and raspberries that lasted for a minute. Wonderful aged nose. This was so good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/18/2015 - Redteeth wrote:
Wow. I couldn't ask for more. Drank this one in a pop and pour scenario. The wine did not have a big aroma but had good dark color and a surprising amount of nice fruit remaining. The tannins had resolved and the whole package was enjoyable. the cork was in good shape. I think this vintage may last a while longer but the question is ... why temp fate. Its very nice right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/8/2015 - sandros1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
After a 1 hour bath in my decanter, this gem was vastly superior to anything I've had in the past few months. Favors that popped include current and berry but the finish went on for almost a full minute. Definitely recommend this highly.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/15/2015 - wineismylife wrote: 94 Points
WIML94
Tasted non blind.
Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of lavender, plums and black currants. Flavors of plums, currants and black berries. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. No rush but the nose is intoxicating right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/23/2015 - rocknroller wrote: 93 Points
A Decadent Night of 1990's Napa Cabs and Bordeaux (Chez Dalluge, MN): Very dark red/purple color. Slow-O for 30 minutes, no decant. Drank 1 glass over 4+ hours. This was much more introverted than the others on the nose; it opens gradually over 30-40 minutes, with plenty of fresh cut cedar; and showing a much denser, deeper black fruit essence with plenty of spice, graphite and tar (later). The palate has a depth of black fruits, kirsch, sour black cherry, glycerin, soil, savory with roasted meat. Full bodied and a bit chewy. This needs some decanting yet and should see its zenith in another 5 years, though it looks to remain bigger in style.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/4/2015 - KSWinegeek wrote: 92 Points
Once again the cork broke in two pieces and was difficult to extract. Cedar primary and black fruit secondarily on nose. Nice blackberry flavors, smooth and elegant. Tannins reduced. Decanted 90+ minutes.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2015 - MAA65 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Purple to ruby deep color. Clean, medium plus nose, cassis, leather, black fruit. Concentrated flavors of dark cherry, cassis, leather, tobacco. Nice acidity and tannic balance. Long finish, beautiful wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/27/2014 - WStucker wrote: 92 Points
Double decant, drinking well now. Great food wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/29/2014 - FLI Likes this wine: 87 Points
Pretty disappointing. Tastes like a cab, but fruit lacked any richness, and the tannic structure had washed out. Not unpleasant, but nothing special.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/26/2014 - nbrue wrote: 93 Points
This bottle exceeded expectations. 1999 was not a stellar vintage for Montelena but we popped and poured and 45 minutes later it was seamless and pleasing to all.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/30/2014 - yenda wrote: 94 Points
Still wow
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/22/2014 - MC wrote:
Popped and poured at cellar temperature. Good wine, and enjoyable with food. A-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/18/2014 - kenv Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dinner with Josh and Karen K and Bob S (Salty's Pub & Bistro, Clifton Park, NY): [Decanted around 1pm. Drunk around 7pm.] Stunning nose of black fruit and flint. Tannic and tarry in the mouth with a long rich finish. Superb and drinking really well tonight with ribeye.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/18/2014 - wineholder Likes this wine: 90 Points
nice at first broke down at an hour. the opposite of the last bottle I tried.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/8/2014 - Chris Likes this wine: 92 Points
Always one of my favorites. Gorgeous deep color and fruit aroma with no decant. Deep taste with typical Montelena nuances that I love.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/8/2014 - Oeno-1 wrote: 90 Points
Decent, but expected better. Tight and short finish even after 2 hours in decanter. Some fruit and hints of underlying earth that never came to the fore. May be in a closed period. Hints of a better wine underneath and, as always, well made. Try again in 2016-2017
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/29/2014 - g289519 wrote: 90 Points
Lacking fruit, seems to be tailing off. Revisit in 6 months.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/24/2014 - WStucker wrote: 92 Points
No need to hurry on this one.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/23/2014 - KCBrian Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great classic Cali cab!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/23/2014 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 94 Points
Awesome Napa Cabernet Tasting (Hillside, Montelena, Mayback and more) (Minneapolis, MN): Decanted originally for 90 minutes and that is about the perfect amount of time. I would consume the whole bottle at that point as the later pour was not nearly as good. Medium purple. Floral, cherry, minerals, plum, tobacco and earth centered. While there was nice fruits it featured more secondary character. Smooth tannins and I would recommend consume me now as the wine is peaking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2014 - rocknroller wrote: 95 Points
Hi End Napa Cabs with an Haut Brion Kicker (Gary's Place, Hudson, WI): Very dark red-purple color. Decanted for 90 minutes initially. Drank two 2oz pours over 3.5hrs. This was just singing on round one. Another great perfumed nose, amazingly floral, like sticking your face in a fresh bouquet, bright berries, a hint of mint, licorice, dried raspberries, dry forest floor, and hints of cedar. The palate has nice intensity, great mouthfeel, it's all about balance and finesse, wow, wonderful, plum, mulberry, dried berries, earth, minerals, and a very, very long finish - 100+ seconds. This was arguably the best wine the first go round, but it stayed in the decanter for the next 2-3 hours and the second pour while still excellent had lost a touch of the luster. I think a 90 minute decant is about perfect right now. For the first 2 hours in glass this was 95-96pts and round two was 94pts. My #2 WOTN and group #3 by a hair.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
3/15/2014 - steinersing wrote: 91 Points
great energy, one of the better wines of the evening. perhaps a bit over-extracted?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/11/2014 - wondersofwine Likes this wine: 94 Points
I didn't decant this but let the first glass aerate for about 30 minutes in the glass after the first sip. Dark purple color with light brownish rim; opaque. The nose seems "sweet" with cassis, blackberries, and cocoa. Cassis, mint, and vanilla are expressed on the palate with an intense and long finish. On the final glass, I was picking up some raspberry notes as well but predominantly dark fruits and cocoa. Smooth, integrated, balanced, and ready to go. Some fine sediment. I enjoyed this with sirloin tips and strips of bell pepper.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2013 - capacious Likes this wine: 95 Points
At a visit to Montelena two years ago we had a discussion with staff in the tasting room as we've been buying on allocation since 1990 and several offered that the 1999 was their favorite out of the last two decades. We poured this at our favorite Palm Beach place La Sirena blinded and it fulfilled the Montelena staffers. Has probably 10 or more years left- fully mature - wonderful balance between the tannins and fruit and a lengthy finish and this was with a PNP. The final bottle will wait another four or five years. I'd table this with any of the Napa big boys without a hesitation
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2013 - AlexHop wrote: 96 Points
What a treat to open a split of this on a random Monday. Nose is subtle but not restrained. Classic Napa. Dark fruit and spice aromas. Flavors are still huge but perfectly integrated. Not a harsh bit. Toasty oak and cocoa nibs. Long long finish. Thank you Montelena for making it easy to get 375s.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/26/2013 - steinbrl12 Likes this wine: 90 Points
good dark berry fruit. Tannins in check; almost at peak. Good mouth feel but not overly deep. Pleasurable wine with steak dinner.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/25/2013 - RR47 wrote: 92 Points
Dark red, closed at first taste. Decanted for over an hour and still a brooding cab. Lots of structure, just not showing off much. Nose of blackberry, cedar and maybe cigar box, but subtle. Balanced with a long finish. More open on day 2. This has years of life left. I won't open another bottle til 2015. Cellared at 55 since release.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/3/2013 - dougie Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very good. Should have waited 5 more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/14/2013 - cubswinws Likes this wine: 94 Points
Really great mature Napa Cabernet that seems at its peak. No hurry though as it has plenty of fruit for awhile.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/1/2013 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep, dark and opaque, more purple than normal for Montelena Estate. Decanted around 6 pm and drunk from 7:30 -9:30pm. Initial bouquet is of sweet oak, blackberry jam and bacon. Flavors still closed and dominated by the jammyness. It seemed still quite closed so I ran it through a Venturi several times. It softened a bit and displayed some strawberry, tart cherry and licorice. My conclusion is that it need lots more age and more breathing. If there was anything left from the bottle I bet it would be great tomorrow. For now a modest score but expecting it to improve dramatically in 5+years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/10/2013 - crsprout wrote: 93 Points
Really enjoyed this. Tasted along a 94 Mondavi, 94 Las Cases, 01 Caymus and some others. Still some fruit present with a great nose of balance between black olive, herbal and dark fruit. Cedar and tobacco become very present with a little time. Silky, dusty tannins that are well integrated. A solid Napa Cab.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/4/2013 - sbeeks wrote: 90 Points
Montelena always satisfies. Nice fruit on the nose. Turns a little flat after an hour. Does not have depth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/4/2013 - Chris Likes this wine: 93 Points
very good but can definitely go longer. I popped and poured but should have decanted. Will decant several hours for the next bottle. Very complex, heavy and deep, even 14 years later.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/13/2013 - emkc wrote: 89 Points
Ready to drink. Tannins are soft. Still some fruit left. Drnk up soon
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/31/2013 - KSWinegeek wrote: 90 Points
Cork broke in two parts, but the wine was fine. Still balanced and smooth, but not as expressive as previous bottles. Decanted for 90 minutes before tasting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2013 - g-man wrote: 91 Points
Tasted as part of a vertical tribute to Jim Barrett. What really came accross was the remarkable consistancy from year to year. Lush fruit with the tanins still present enough to help maintain sime structure to the wine. Savory nose of herb and camphor leading to a rich palate. We sampled the 91,94,97,99,01,02 and 05 and all outstanding with the exception of the 05' Complared to the rest it appeard a little "off".
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/16/2013 - ColoradoRick Likes this wine: 94 Points
A great bottle in honor of the memory of the late Jim Barrett. A little cedar and cigar box when first opened. Based on the notes of others, we decanted for about 90 minutes before enjoying with dinner. A very well balanced effort. Soft tannins, long finish that well reflected the nose. Farewell Jim. Thank you. This vintage is just getting better. Bravo!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/8/2013 - no leashes wrote:
Delicious dark, black fruit, tightly wound, well structured. This wine has lots of time left. Drank in .375L and decanted for an hour. I wouldn't try next bottle for a couple years.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/21/2013 - cabber wrote: 90 Points
Aged California Cabernet Tasting (Manhattan Beach, CA): Nice, light, balanced.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/14/2013 - wineismylife Likes this wine: 93 Points
WIML93
Tasted non blind. Opened and decanted about one hour before serving.
Garnet to perhaps dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of violets, plums, cherries and currants. Flavors of plums, cherries and light notes of currants. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. No rush. Should be long lived. Throwing just a little bit of sediment.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/30/2012 - flashvictor Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep garnet color leads to a funky nose of cedar, mushroom and cassis. After 90 minutes in decanter the funk blows off leading to a very nice mature Napa cab. I do not think this will improve with any age but should hold for at least another 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/29/2012 - mygrogro wrote: 92 Points
soft berry bouquet
medium body forward raspberry jam
enough of a silky finish to come back for more!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/27/2012 - alanr wrote: 92 Points
From a half bottle purchased on release from the winery. Nose shows some nice signs of a wine starting to develop, with hints of earth and old wood, still dominated by deep crushed berries; color is deep, dark, opaque garnet, showing little sign of age; no surprise, the palate is consistent with the nose, still quite youthful, dark cabernet fruit, with excellent acidity, fine tannins, and great overall balance. In its early youth this wine was an intense explosion of perfect fruit. Some of that youthful intensity has dissipated, leaving a wine that is almost brooding and reserved, as if in a cocoon waiting to unfold and fly at some point in the future - probably the distant future. To drink now, I would suggest a decant of a few hours, but really recommend keeping under wraps for another 8-10 years at least.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/27/2012 - Uglypinga wrote: 85 Points
Tasted blind. Sweaty, leathery nose. Muted palate, not showing much other than some hidden black fruit. Let them rest or air them out, though this saw a lot of air. Drinkable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/10/2012 - beezer6 wrote: 89 Points
Served from a 375ml, the wine seems to be kinda on its way out. Rustic earth and spice driven qualities. Rustic cherries, barnyard and some serious leather action. Palate is austere and not at all ripe. Quite Bordeaux like or older Napa Cabernet. Bottle may have been stored a bit warm at one point. Still nice and enjoyable with some air.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/12/2012 - mygrogro wrote: 91 Points
pepper and fig,
nice compliment to the steak at hand
tannic finish, a little hot
manageable finish of soft oak
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/25/2012 - AlexHop wrote: 94 Points
Yum. Nose is complex and foresty. Mellow body but tannins have mostly gone. Still some dark cherry and a nice long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2012 - n2wine wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for an hour. Velvety smooth tannins. Pair excellently with a standing rib roast. Cherry flavors with a short finish. What a great wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/24/2012 - patwjr wrote: 92 Points
Popped n poured. After drinking younger wines beforehand, this one seemed quite mature. Given it was the end iof the night, didn't get to note the wines positives. Just tasted old and not right for tonight.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/10/2012 - bibendumrrb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cork was dry and broke, but wine ended up fine. Darkeend as it opened up. Typical Montelena, if a little less intense than some of the other vintages.
2nd day, quite a bit of tobacco and cedar
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/9/2012 - Fiorano wrote: 92 Points
From .375. Surprisingly young-looking, ruby-colored wine. Cork in exc.condition. Overall great balance, dark cherry/blackberry nose, consistent palate with excellent fruit, medium finish. It has developed a few interesting secondary notes in its 12 year life; indeed has a Cal/Bordeaux blend thing going, leading me to think that it has 5-10 years more life in which to improve. Whether the fruit holds is the question, but given the stuffing and youthful color of this wine (especially for a half bottle), it would seem to be a good bet. Very nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/4/2012 - wirelessbluedog wrote: 96 Points
Decanted and started drinking at 1 hour. Deep purple color, great legs, fantastic nose noticable as soon as opened. First glass was a little closed and tannic. After 2 hours, opened up. Smooth, strong on the palate. Huge black cherry, a little ripe plum. A great wine, drinking well right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/26/2012 - Matt T wrote: flawed
Not horrible, but this was slightly oxidized and out of balance. The cork showed no signs of seepage.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/16/2012 - dcasper wrote: 90 Points
Fantastic! This wine holds true to the Estate Cabernet. Loud, bold and full of fruit. High alcohol lets you know what you're drinking from aroma to blackberry and leather-laced finish. Just a great wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/14/2012 - patwjr wrote: 93 Points
As someone noted, this is a fine balance between a CA and Bordeaux wine. A little tight and unrevealing at first, but over the course of a few hours it opened up nicely. Smooth, soft fruit and that earthy, mature taste of a 12 year+ Cab. I don't think this is going to last another 10+ years, but the last glass at the 6 hour mark was the best - so maybe.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/21/2011 - stocksandbondage wrote: 94 Points
Another great bottle of Montelena, right at it's peak. What more can I say about this winery that I already haven't. Great wine, perfectly balanced.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/25/2011 - mikecase00 wrote:
Mature, lighter than expected, a little underwhelming given the pedigree.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/8/2011 - miller3324 wrote:
Out of 375, fully mature, classic cab with pronounced secondary notes at this stage, drinking well out of 375 but 750s should have a few more years to go
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/31/2011 - jaxpaj wrote: 91 Points
Dusty notes kept this from rating much higher.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/29/2011 - MC wrote:
Needed about 90 minutes to open, but then showed well - as usual, a nice balance between California and Bordeaux. Dark color, plenty of structure, cool, restrained fruit and a good wine with food. A-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/28/2011 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 90 Points
This wine was tasted in unblinded fashion at the Vintage Wines, Ltd. wine bar. The robe is a youthful opaque ruby and the nose shows aromas of Morello cherries, iron and assorted spices. Full-bodied on the palate, with low-to-medium acidity, big sweet tannins, well-integrated alcohol and black fruit-dominated flavors. The middle palate is solid and the medium-length finish is fairly smooth. This is a very nice wine which is still quite young at age 11. It is a bit unidimensional at this point but may merit a higher score with a bit more time in bottle. Drink now-12/25.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/13/2011 - FLI Likes this wine: 90 Points
Uninteresting on open, but after an hour in the carafe, emerged as a smooth, somewhat restrained, cab. Tannins were well integrated, fruit was not at all showy. Easy drinking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/2/2011 - stocksandbondage wrote: 93 Points
Great bottle. Popped and poured, but should have decanted as it really sang as we were drinking the last of it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/11/2011 - mavericksane wrote: 92 Points
Improved after an hour of being decanted. Definitely on the downside now. Much less fruit than previously observed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/20/2011 - JDB wrote: 90 Points
tight at first, but slowly opened to a very bordeaux like experience. Side by side with the 01. Much more austere but still very good
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/3/2011 - KSWinegeek wrote: 93 Points
Superb wine. Plum and tobacco nose and cherry on palate. Elegant, balanced and drinking nicely right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/30/2011 - winestem wrote: 91 Points
Delicious, young, vibrant. No bricking. Deep colors and wonderful aromatics.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/16/2011 - Matt T wrote: 91 Points
Very nice nose upon opening of dark berry. Rim showed some age. A well-balanced and not over the top Napa cab. Not overly complex or exciting, but still a nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/5/2011 - MC wrote:
Seemed muted and thin out of the gate. After 2 hours it had more to offer, but was overshadowed by a 99 d'issan and a 99 quinault this evening. B+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/18/2011 - cbauer135 wrote: 93 Points
Flavor changes quite a bit over time. Tasted young after about 30 minutes but when it got to 60, opened up really nicely with lots of red fruit, plum, a little leather and cigar box. Overall, we really enjoyed it but still think it could benefit from a few more years in the bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/2/2011 - ekenneth wrote: 93 Points
This isn't your usual Napa Cab. At 11 YO it's at the beginning of it's time. This is much more like an old Bordeaux with it's iron/ graphite core, lighter mid-palate and a hint of green pepper. After several hours it starts to turn into the deep chalky, purple beauty that reminds me of an old Puy Lacoste or Talbot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2010 - A L P wrote:
Nice but thin; no tannin, dumb phase?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/18/2010 - EMTAME wrote: 91 Points
Signature Montelena nose, followed by a mid-weight palate of black currant fruit with a mild note of dried herbs. This was given 60+ minutes in the decanter and seemed to improve over the second hour, but didn't show as well after that. I actually thought the '98 was a touch better, based on the 3-4 bottles of that wine I consumed within the past year or so.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/11/2010 - psmith wrote:
Dark fruits, char, and some green edges. Tannic and still young. Classic styling. Nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/27/2010 - GSW wrote: 92 Points
Still a pleasure to drink and consistent with my notes from 2008.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/23/2010 - njAndrew wrote: 91 Points
I think this wine is in a good place right now. Balanced with nice acid, medium tannins and still some dark fruit. A little bit of funk on the nose with dark cherries, plum and a little spice on the palate. Drinking well new and could probably hold for a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/16/2010 - dougie wrote: 94 Points
Amazing. Big, rich and deep. Decanted for two hours. Really started to hit stride at 3 1/2 hours. Wait another few years for the last. from a .375.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/25/2010 - Cappie wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruits, distinctive Cabernet nose. Like many Cabernets in this price range a very well balanced wine, though not spectacular. Glad I tried a Montelena Estate - a very good wine with steak at Columbia Restaurant in Tampa.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/11/2010 - Nancy&Chris wrote: 90 Points
tasted with the 2000 and this was much more earthier, not as smooth as the 2000, but nice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2010 - WinoRick wrote: 94 Points
Youthful wine with abundant fruit and complexity and very balanced. This, like most Montelenas has a very long life ahead of it and will only get better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/8/2010 - RWINO wrote: 93 Points
Decanted and opeded at Berns for the Montelena tasting with Bo Barrett. Fairly closed in the first couple of hours but by the 5th hour really opened up. Very balanced with notes of cherry, tobacco/cedar with a black tea/mushroom/cherry midpalte with a nice medium finish of silky tannins. Lot's of structure here with good acidity. 93+ May yet improve with age, I will try again in 3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/5/2010 - yenda wrote: 94 Points
excellent, complex.had this wine after few glasses of v good BDX of similar age and we (group of 6) people hve agreed that this was on par, with this being the winner for some of us
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/22/2010 - g-man wrote: 91 Points
It's a Thursday night but I feel like drinking something decent to watch the Red Sox and Bruins games. Open up and did a quick decant. Some sediment but not bad. After a half hour it started to open up alittle giving camphor and cedar box aromas. Initialy was very reticent on the palate. Over three hours it gradulally started to offer up more of what the nose promised, cigar box with still young cherry and dark fruit. The tanins were in check. They were there but not harsh. This still needs another few years to really strut its' stuff but is very enjoyable now with some time in the decanter.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/16/2010 - AlexHop wrote: 94 Points
Wow, very smooth and elegant with a long finish. Still showing nice but restrained fruit and a little St Estiphe-style character (pencil lead, leather, cedar). Good solid mouth-feel.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/3/2010 - yenda wrote: 94 Points
this was absolutely excellent. complex nose full of typical cab notes mouth oppulent yet soft and long finish. Half of the bottle was properly conserved and consumed two days later and it was even more stunning. Having said that, I have a strong view that there is more goodies to come here. Thus will not rush drinking remaining bottles
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/27/2010 - Muddflaps wrote: 93 Points
Very smooth wine. Tannins have softened out nicely. Did not have a chance to decant or would have opened up more I'm sure, nonetheless nice drinker. Very opulent nose of fruit. Nicely balanced with medium finish. Believe this one is at top and will onlly loose the hints of fruit that are left. One left in cellar - time to finihsh this one off soon.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/13/2010 - kkleg wrote: 94 Points
This bottle was decanted just prior to drinking. Classic California Cab. Cedar, dark fruits, and wet stone on the nose. Ultra-ripe cherries and cedar on the palate with just a bit of tannin. This wine is drinking well now and should be fabulous over the next couple of years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2010 - VoteferPedro wrote: 94 Points
This is a profound and complete wine
decanted one hour prior to enjoying
I have little to add to my note from 2 years ago but the cassis and cedar are on the nose and cassis and cherry on the tongue. Long superlative finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/30/2010 - Seanno wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour..very smooth, great finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/17/2009 - PBCguy wrote: 91 Points
tight upon opening but really opened in the decanter. Really special after an hour. Deep color, spice on the finish. Would have been even better if it was decanted for 2 hours or so before drinking. Probably great to keep cellared for a while as well.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2009 - sbeeks wrote: 88 Points
Decantd for 2 hours. A bit flat, but we drank this after the 1996 Opus One, which had a great earthy tone. Tight, didn't really open
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2009 - Grinner wrote: 92 Points
13th Annual Lyon 10 year Retrospective (Eugene, Oregon): Dark color still, with black fruit and hints of oak and mint. Slightly hot but depth, texture, and length merit the score.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/30/2009 - yonster24 wrote:
Dark Ruby color. I took one whiff of this, looked at my wife and said "This smells like Napa." Classic, well made Napa-Cab. Enticing nose black currant, dark fruits, some leather and earth. The palate delivered on the promise of the nose. Just an outstanding wine all around. Still extremely young and has an untold amount of years ahead of this. It was only getting better as we reached for the last glass...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/20/2009 - jeff nowak wrote:
harsh tannins, rock hard fruit. this ain't never gonna be a good wine, if it ever was.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/20/2009 - kstoddard wrote: 87 Points
Chateau Montelena Tasting (Sportsman's): Dark ruby color. Plumb nose. Tastes of blackberry, currant, leather and earth. Firm tannins. Dry rustic finish with some green character. Lacking in complexity and depth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/16/2009 - ScottGoodwin wrote:
More floral, open, cocoa, tobacco, tart fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/19/2009 - jlemerond wrote: 90 Points
Not the usual montelena cab, and not the same note as the 99 from a year ago. this bottle, out of 375, is a little disjointed, with lots of tannins, acidity, alcohol (almost too much alcohol) and fruit but it doesnt all come together. on the nose lots of coffee / mocha, with plenty of dark fruits and alcohol. i hope things come together over time, for now the grade is a 90 but incomplete. Given prior performance im inclinded to give it the benefit of the doubt.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/11/2009 - flashvictor wrote: 94 Points
Deep ruby color leads to a beautiful nose of currant, blackberry, white pepper, and a hint of vanilla. The meduim-full body has wonderful flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, currant and mint with a sprinkle of sage and anise. Well integrated finish lasts 35 seconds. This is just entering its drinking window. I would recommend at least an hour decant currently for an optimal experience. Yum!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/3/2009 - wineismylife wrote:
WIMLNR. Wine was still partially closed. If drinking now be sure and give it some air but I recommend waiting another 2-3 years before trying.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/9/2009 - kstoddard wrote: 88 Points
From magnum. Dark ruby color. Black fruit nose. Tastes of blackberry, currant, violet, earth and cherry. Reasonably well balanced. Unmemorable finish. A well made wine but nothing out the ordinary. Quite disappointing especially with how much this wine costs.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/26/2009 - prez wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for 1 hour. Tremendous bottle. Great balance with a medium finish. Can't see it getting any better with more age.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/21/2009 - johnnyo wrote: 93 Points
Very nice, it had the profile of a very good left bank Bordeaux. Notes of black currant, blackberry, tobacco and tea leaf.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/17/2009 - mghomula wrote: 95 Points
Wine #3 of the Birthday Week Wine Experience
Decanted for 3 hours. I was really looking forward to this wine as I have had it in my cellar for nearly 9 years and it did not disappoint. In the glass it was deep purple edging toward black with some red hue toward the edge. Really beautiful to look at. Nosing the wine brought an intense and focused bouquet of ripe blackberries, plums, black cherry, cocoa powder, mint and vanilla. Full bodied with just a wonderful silky smooth mouthfeel of juicy blackberries, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, mint with hints of cedar. The finish was long and extracted with more dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla and a hint of anise. Wow, really a long, elegant and supple finish. Tannins are really soft and well integrated and their is a bright and bursting acidity that keeps it all in tremendous balance. This is a stellar Cabernet in true Montelena style. Wish I had a case left! 50+5+14+18+8=95pts.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/13/2009 - Susanville43 wrote: 90 Points
Decanted about 45 minutes at Two Restaurant. Not a strong nose but the soft tannins and dark cherry,/chocolate made for a great bottle. Not sure it'll get much better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/30/2009 - Hollowleg wrote: 87 Points
Served at Moloney & Porchellie Steak House in NYC.
Paled in comparison to the '05 Insignia which was easily the WOTN.
Decanted & let sit in the glass for 30-40 minutes.
This was flat & one dimensional, falling far short of the '03 Estate which I had recently.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/15/2009 - wm3395 wrote: 92 Points
The reviews on this wine range from outstanding to simply good. I found it to be very smooth and well aged. red cherries, plum, spice and cedar. very soft tannins. The wine has aged very well.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/19/2009 - MC wrote:
Seemed a bit thin, and may have been an off bottle. Overshadowed by a '99 Laurel Glen Reserve that was drinking very well and had more of everything. Montelena will always get the benefit of the doubt, so try again in a year. B+/A-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/1/2009 - ziavino wrote: 84 Points
Hmmm...I had high hopes for this, but I really felt it was a disjointed mess. The fruit was all but gone here, and the clingy, dusty tannins are a bit much. Maybe some VA?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2009 - joshwoodward wrote: 93 Points
Chateau Montelena Vertical: Sweeter, fruitier nose, with a touch of White Out. Still massive. Red+ fruit, riper. Medium tannins, acidic, medium+ body. Relatively simple. Tastes very new.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/23/2009 - godx wrote: 92 Points
Tasted at winery – deep ruby, clear. Nose of earthy soil, spice, vegetation, red cherries and plum. On the palate notes of stewed red cherries, plum and cedar. Great structure on this 10 year old wine with medium to high acidity and tannins, medium body and a lengthy finish. Drink or hold. Excellent.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/9/2008 - potness wrote:
outstanding 93 - lots of nose full of fruit,
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2008 - JScott wrote: 92 Points
Cassis, menthol and a hint of cherry. Starting to get into a good place. Just hitting the window, with probably two decades to go, knowing this winery.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/22/2008 - chetjan wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very nicely now and worked very well with food (lamb, pork) something that many California wines have difficulty doing. Decanted for several hours and the wine opened up nicely, but the nose was still fairly closed. The bottle was served alongside a '94 Clinet and the Montelena was preferred by most of the guests.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/2/2008 - patwjr wrote: 93 Points
No formal notes. Very nice wine, yet still needs more years of cellaring or 2-3+ hours of decanting. A touch less complex than the 1999 Merus we had at the same time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2008 - Rosengoo wrote:
Tasted at the Vintages auction gala tasting. With a very caramel filled bouquet, this wine was almost balanced to taste yet slightly weak. I was only sold on this 50% and think it's time to drink these up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/12/2008 - bon vivant wrote: 88 Points
Simple and uninspiring, no harsh notes but very monolithic and tight -may have needed a longer decant or just an off bottle but nowhere near the quality or pleasure of the 1997 we had side by side
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2008 - KeithAkers wrote: 91 Points
Montelena Seminar (Binny's Highland Park, Highland Park IL): nose: tight nose that is still working itself out as it seems like some real baby fat still needs to be shed. The nose gives off tones of cassis, dark cherry, mint, and cedar. Loads of depth on the nose and it just needs some time to fully come out of its shell
taste: firm tannins that are at first a bit unforgiving with cassis, dark cherries, cedar, and drops of dark chocolate start to emerge a bit
overall: A very young wine, but one with lots of promise. The depth and layers on both the nose and palate are really there, but this really seems a good three years away from starting to really show what it has
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2008 - GSW wrote: 94 Points
No formal notes taken. Decanted a few hours before dinner and then back in the bottle. First of the '99s tried from the futures purchased years ago. A delightful wine and best of the evening. Classic Cab Sauv profile. Wonderful nose and a long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/23/2008 - Soundcaresser wrote:
A bit tight and too fruit focused, nice integrated tannins, slightly
disappointing given the price. $145 @ 1424 with bison
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/18/2008 - jasko wrote: 94 Points
Attended the library tour at the Chateau. My wife and I were able to taste multiple vintages from the 1999 till 2002. Without talking to each other, both of us looked at each other and came to the same conclusion simutaneously, the 1999 was superb. Smooth, easy on the pallet, wonderful flavor throughout, quite complex. An all around fabulous wine.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/27/2008 - gr8r84u wrote: 92 Points
Popped poured and drank with Noodles & Co we had for dinner. This was much better than the last bottle. Tannins were strong but not overpowering. Sweet red and black fruits, long dry finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/22/2008 - jlemerond wrote: 94 Points
deep crimson. beautiful montelena nose of tannins, alcohol, and dark fruits. on the palate, dark fruits again plus a wonderful minerality. great balance, with tannins buffered by great fruit and acidity. long mouthcoating finish. still very young. lots of development left.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2008 - zimmy07 wrote: 90 Points
tasted like it was a mid 80's Montelena, so this thing was aging rapidly. Classic Montelena with cedar, currant and well balanced oak. Probably poor storage conditions before I bought. Could not imagine declining this fast for a Momtelena
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/9/2008 - cabrnay wrote: 91 Points
Goof balance of tannins and fruit, classic Ch. Montelena, A little dusty and bordeau-like, the 98' was better, but this held up the Motelena image just fine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/9/2008 - Brugy wrote: 95 Points
Wonderful! Wine has great mouth feel, and wonderful full nose of tobacco, lavendar and maybe currant. Color - dark red with a rust color at the edges. The flavors are berries, tobacco and leather.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/9/2008 - Employee500 wrote: 92 Points
Very nice, traditionally-minded Cali Cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/7/2008 - Cheryl wrote:
Cali Cabs: Ridge, Maybach, Pride, Montelena, Bressler and two ringers (Dallas, Texas, Lola): Back on theme now with a Cali Cab. This was traditional cali cab and tasty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/20/2008 - the godfather wrote: 90 Points
I've never been a big fan of Montelena, this wine has mellowed out nice considering the last time I had it the acid would burn your throught out
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/10/2008 - Haggis Likes this wine: 91 Points
Had company staying for a week and couldn't resist opening this. I don't regret sharing it, but do regret not having more. Same notes as on 12/23/07. This is approaching peak, but I'd suggest waiting another 2-3 yr before drinking.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/12/2008 - wineotim wrote: 91 Points
Deep black cherry color with dark chocolate aromas, muscular tannins, full bodied flavors of cassis, earth, and mushroom. Fruit initially takes a back seat, with some air time, the wine unfolds into layers of plums and black cherry, long finish but not the blockbuster I expected.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/4/2008 - TomH wrote:
From a half bottle - still feels young and tight, even with an hour of decanting. Wait.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/2/2008 - cadamson wrote: flawed
corked
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/30/2008 - VoteferPedro wrote: 92 Points
color:pink rim, purple core
aroma:complex nose with a cool dark berry, camphorr (some say eucalyptus), and vanilla from oak
palate: fruit evolved from a dark berry cassis to a cherry over the evening. The finish stayed medium long and a bit tannic .
I think it is good now but has legs enough to age, too.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/2/2008 - zimmy07 wrote: 90 Points
not really showing to well at this stage. maybe a dumb phase. a bit herbal and green compared to most Montelena estates. Still had the nice cedar and rich fruit. Probably too young to be drinking now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2008 - jsebiri wrote:
This was the second best of the 1999 cali party behind the Pride.very easy to drink , multi dimensional , very very good...90-92 range
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/23/2007 - Haggis Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened and tried immediately. Gorgeous deep ruby color; fruity, herbal, nose; dark cherry, leather, oak, and hint of cocoa on the palate. But just a little thin. After 2 hours, it was humming. More complex, older cab secondary characteristics appearing. This has the acid backbone for longer cellearing (which is what I'll do with the remaining bottle...mabye another 5yrs if I can resist the temptation). I can see this improving measurably with time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/22/2007 - The Wine Guy wrote: 93 Points
loved it, opened up at Mortons plenty of tannis to go some more years but I really enjoyed decanted for 45 min; deep color and balanced fruit; currant cherry,blackberries, earth tones, firm tanins slight oak and long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2007 - JScott wrote: 90 Points
Really needed air, but from a 375 didn't get it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/16/2007 - jmh st louis wrote: 92 Points
deep maroon, blackberry, licorice and wet earth
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/13/2007 - spacewrangler wrote:
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Tasting (Cafe Mangal, MA): This kicked off what I thought was the worst flight of the evening. Dark, this showed some nice earth notes and a strong core of the black fruit. Tannins are a bit overwhelming still here, I'd sit on remaining bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/5/2007 - georgeohr wrote: 75 Points
I have had this wine many times and it exhibits the most bottle variation of any california cab I have ever tasted. This one from a 375. Funky, smokey, unbalanced. Did not improve
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/18/2007 - gjberdy wrote: 93 Points
Good full ruby-red, blackberry, licorice, aromas of earth (smells like Montelena's cellars), chocolate, minerals, good tannins
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2007 - Paul Lin wrote: 88 Points
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Vertical Tasting (Lake Forest, CA): Rather subdued aromas of black currant and sweet tobacco. Currant, dark chocolate, and loam on the palate, with some cedar on the finish. Fine-grained tannins provide a backbone for more aging potential. 88-89 points.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/25/2006 - gr8r84u wrote: 90 Points
Very tight! Still needs a few hours of decanting. Tannins still overpowering at this point. Sorry I wasted a bottle. Going to give it a few more years before I try another. That being said... still pretty tasty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/21/2006 - dougie wrote: 91 Points
Not as jammy or fruity as most cabernets. Very nice though. Rich, thick and classy. A bit rough on the edges. Wait 2 or 3 years; this was a .375.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/30/2006 - bubbachumps wrote: 92 Points
Well rounded and structured wine. Strong cedar notes, great fruit. Has some serious grip here. Very dark colored and concentrated wine. This wine could use another 5 years, although it was very good after 4 hours of decanting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/25/2006 - gr8r84u wrote: 92 Points
Very nice... easy drinking well balanced very nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/16/2006 - JLL wrote: 80 Points
I don't get it.....I have been a fan of this wine prior, but no longer. This was lacking any noticeable fruit or taste......not bottle variation bc this is similar to other bottles of this vintage. Very disappointing
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/2/2006 - A&C wrote: 92 Points
Black color -- silk -- bordeaux-like; Rich nose; cassis; smooth -- balanced. It was a perfect match for the tenderloin with porcini mushroom sauce we borrowed from Anthony Boudrain's Pirate Cookbook -- the sweetness of the mushrooms and sherry in the sauce matched perfectly with the rich balance of the wine -- and the farmer's market sweet corn. A decadent sauce, and a smooth, balanced, almost delicate wine. The nose of this wine smelled like a bordeaux, with just a whiff of a Napa wine cave. Rolling Stones playing throughout the house filled out a very fine late summer evening -- can't get much better than this on a long Labor Day weekend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/15/2006 - wineismylife wrote: 94 Points
anthonyiezzi Birthday Dinnner (Tre Vigne, Basking Ridge, NJ): WIML94,WA95,WS94
Tasted July 15, 2006 at an offline. Opened and served immediately in a Riedel Vinum Cabernet glass. Garnet color in the glass, slightly dusty throughout. Nose of red berries, red cherries, a little leather that blew off with time and some red currants that show up to take its’ place. Flavors of red berries, red cherries and raspberries. Medium acidity with integrated tannins. Medium bodied. Drank solid and held it’s own for over 2-1/2 hours. This is a solid wine. Can be drank now with maybe an hour in the decanter or held for years to come. No value recommendation.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/4/2006 - JLL wrote: 90 Points
disappointing!!!!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/29/2005 - sjvog wrote:
The third and final bottle we had with our Christmas prime rib. Lots of potential here - very concentrated and complex, but the wine seems closed. We didn't give it any time to open as we consumed it quickly. Should wait until at lease 2008 to try again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2005 - Jason wrote: 94 Points
4 Decades, 21 Bottles, 1 Producer- Chateau Montelena (Daniel's Broiler, Bellevue , WA): The nose was oaky and sweet with vanilla and blackberries. Oddly, it reminded me a bit of a syrah. The mouth followed the nose in it oakiness and sweetness. I really liked the ripe black fruit. As it sat in my glass it showed signs of further opening. The tannins are strong, of course, but it seems to have the fruit to match.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2005 - Eric wrote: 92 Points
Chateau Montelena vertical (1973-2002) (Bellevue, WA): Ripe nose. The palate is sweet but laser-focused with cassis and cocoa. Egads, the structure here is punishing. Group average 91.6 pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/19/2005 - wineismylife wrote:
Tasted February 19, 2005 at Farpointe Wine Cellars in Shott Zweisel red wine glasses. Deep purple and clear in the glass. Nose was closed. Finally gave up a little balsamic and saddle soap with a ton of swirling. Flavor of red currants, cherries and a slight metallic finish. This wine is in an awkward stage right now and just not showing well at all. Hold.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/5/2005 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
A vertical of Montelena for a good cause: Softer black currant fruit. Lots of parker points, but I found this boring, especially given the hype.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/9/2004 - Blair Curtis wrote:
Delyap's Killer '99 Cabathon (An unnamed, very hospitable restaurant): (I believe this was Kirk's contribution) Very closed nose that later showed bruised apples. Hard and ungiving on the palate. Fully closed all night. No judgement. Don't waste one by opening now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/21/2004 - ipp wrote: 94 Points
needs time ... massive, dark, tight wine ... super dark ... really tight tannic structure ... needs the time to develop some complexity
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/17/2002 - R2-D2 wrote: 94 Points
Another blind wine, this time courtesy of JoeWu and served in what appeared to be a laboratory beaker ... hmmm. Knowing Joe's passion for Cal Cabs and Aussies, those were the two major opinions. Then, someone snuck in a possible Washington comment. Could it be Quilcida Creek? I said Napa Cab, other opinions varied, but I think I heard Sonoma from somewhere. It is Sonoma right? Good Choice Joe!
The nose on this really reminded me of the great '85 Chat. Margaux, I had this fall. It was like smelling a liquid cherry sweet tart, with touches of herbs and licorice. Yummy! This has got lots of jammy fat black fruit and a great deal of acidity. The finish really builds up and glides along. This has 20 years all over it. Joe decanted at noon, tasted around 8ish and could have used more time. This and the Cinq Cepages are tied for the best '99 Cal Cab I've tasted. This may be a tad bit better.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2002 - Eric wrote: 92 Points
Tasted with Patrick, Walt and Chuck. A bit hot on the nose. On the palate this shows forbidding structure. Yet there is an amazing burst of fruit and loooong finish. Amazing juice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/7/2002 - Vino Me wrote: 91 Points
Served blind. This had a nose filled with dark fruit and charcoal. The tannins were firm but a bit dry. The wine was much fruitier than any of the 8 other Bordeaux at the dinner which made it stand out as something different. Definitely not old world style. It had a long finish and was medium bodied. 91 points.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/3/2002 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 91 Points
Tasted at vertical Chateau Montelena tasting at the home of Amy Weinberg. Bottle procured prior to commercial release by Ken Johnson (via futures with the winery). Deep black/purple with purple rim. Clean nose, showing intense red and black currants, vanilla, oak and mint. Full-bodied on the palate, with ample, slightly astringent tannins. Similar flavors as for the nose. Long, dry finish. Needs time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment