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Chateau Montelena

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Napa Valley, California

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Jim Barrett’s dream of Chateau Montelena was that this wine, their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, achieve the balance and complexity of flavors, aromas and textures to be considered among the great examples of Cabernet in the world. Almost since his first vintages in the 1970s, this wine has been a show-stopper that has everything in place, while revealing the majesty and distinctive character of the estate vineyard site in the northern Napa area that the Barretts led to recognition as its own appellation, Calistoga.

Today, the 50-year legacy of excellence in farming, crafting and blending powerful wines and continued innovation and attention to detail is what sets Chateau Montelena Winery apart.

Vineyard

This wine is 100% made with estate fruit. The diversity of soils and slopes where this is grown in Calistoga directly translates to layers of complexity and depth in the glass. The Estate vineyard is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides. The vineyard gently slopes downward towards its base, where a small patch of sedimentary soil was deposited by the settling of an ancient ocean or lake. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting.

Winemaking

The wine is made up of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (35% new) for 22 months. It exuberantly reflects the Calistoga vineyard, while balancing power with an extraordinary ability to age.

Vintage

Budbreak for the 2014 vintage did not arrive abnormally early, despite the relatively warm winter and widespread concern over low rainfall. Mild weather, coupled with plenty of cool nights, extended the growing season. In general, harvest was steady with no major rain events. Conditions were ideal.

Tasting Note

“The interplay of cassis, vanilla, and black cherry on the nose are quite complementary yet also dynamic; shifting to fresh blueberry with a hint of tobacco. These, in turn, are buttressed by dark chocolate, mocha, and a slight suggestion of sweet oak. Silky, fine-grain tannins vie with vibrant acidity that slowly expose the rich, ripe raspberry and blackberry notes that dominate the mid palate. On the finish, expect density and structure as cloves and cinnamon combine with nuances of briar and flint, yielding an extraordinarily food-friendly wine.” – WINEMAKER MATT CRAFTON

Food Pairing

This is a powerhouse wine that can stand up to any number of complex dishes, but can be best enjoyed with beef, lamb, game (deer, venison) and mature, hard cheeses.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot

Appellation

Napa Valley, California

Suggested Retail Price

$160.00

Reviews

95

"a total knock-out"

Vinous - August 10, 2018 “A total knock-out, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate captures all the potential of this great site. Powerful, voluptuous and structured, yet very much within the context of classicism that has defined these wines for several decades. Dark red cherry, stone fruits, smoke, licorice and scorched earth, along with beams of tannin, wrap around the palate. Deep, virile and explosive, the 2014 is a must have. Don’t miss it!”

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Trade Materials

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Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Bottle Shot

Other Wines by this Producer

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Potter Valley Riesling

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Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity.

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The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the balance of Montelena, classic “old-world” structure with ripe California fruit.  It is crafted from fruit coming from the Montelena vineyard and several prime neighboring vineyards, all in the Calistoga AVA. The Montelena Napa Cabernet is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release, but in Montelena style, while age and develop beautifully.

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Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the best of the old-world structure, acidity and grace, with California ripeness and texture. Having zero malolactic notes and limited oak, this style Chardonnay focuses on the importance of vintage, vineyard, and pure varietal character. The bright acidity builds nuanced complexity for 10-30 years. To showcase the ageability of this wine, the vintage of a half-decade prior is re-released alongside the current vintage.

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