Name
Napa Cabernet
Order #
914316
Producer
Chateau Montelena
Vintage
2009
Price
$46.99
About
Chateau Montelena's rich history began on a chilly fall morn- ing when Alfred L. Tubbs spaded over and inspected the soil where he thought of planting estate vineyards. He'd heard the Napa Valley was the best place to grow grapes in California. A deal was struck and in January of 1882 the San Francisco entrepreneur owned 254 acres of rugged land just two miles north of Calistoga at the base of Mount Saint Helena. The soils are well drained, stony and loose – perfect for the vine cuttings he would plant.
In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who's-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered for a grand tasting at the Inter- Continental Hotel in Paris. Four white Burgundies were tasted against six California Chardonnays. When the scores were tal- lied, the French Judges were convinced that the top-ranking white wine was one of their own. In fact, it was Chateau Mon- telena's 1973 Chardonnay, rated above all other wines. This seminal event has been memorialized recently in the book "The Judgment of Paris," by George Taber, as well as in the 2008 feature film Bottle Shock.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
14 months, French and Eastern European; 15% New Oak
In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who's-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered for a grand tasting at the Inter- Continental Hotel in Paris. Four white Burgundies were tasted against six California Chardonnays. When the scores were tal- lied, the French Judges were convinced that the top-ranking white wine was one of their own. In fact, it was Chateau Mon- telena's 1973 Chardonnay, rated above all other wines. This seminal event has been memorialized recently in the book "The Judgment of Paris," by George Taber, as well as in the 2008 feature film Bottle Shock.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
14 months, French and Eastern European; 15% New Oak
Review
2009: Rating: 91 Points, Wine Advocate # 198, "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is wonderfully supple and fragrant. Silky tannins frame a core of expressive dark red fruit. Floral and spice notes are nicely woven throughout. This textured, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to age gracefully for another 7-10 years, but it is awfully good right now. The blend includes 7% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted at Chateau Montelena. Bo Barrett and his team are going for a food-friendly style. They certainly appear to be succeeding in the endeavor. The signature wines are the Chardonnay and the two Cabernet Sauvignons. The Chardonnay is fermented in steel and aged in oak with no malolactic fermentation or less stirring. There is no question the Chardonnay can age, but personally, I am not sure the wines improve beyond age ten or so, at least not markedly. The Cabernet Sauvignon Estate typically includes 2% or so of Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon is made from purchased fruit and incorporates small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Barrett describes 2008 as a tough vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon. Frost and shatter were an issue earlier in the year, while temperatures rose dramatically later in the summer. Barrett is much higher on 2009 because it presented virtually no problems. $60"
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