Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Composition/Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot

In the glass the wine has a nice dark ruby red color. The complex aromas show the influence from both the moderate and the warm periods of this long vintage. The wine has very pronounced ripe jammy fruit aromas of plum and black currant that display the warmth of the vintage. Less obvious Cabernet tones of licorice and earthy complexity from the cool middle of the season lurk under the more obvious notes of fruit. On entry this Cabernet is very round and full, while the mid-palate yields a graceful weight and balance with soft tannins. Notes of pepper add complexity to the smooth, rich cassis dominated flavors. Characteristic of Montelena Cabernet, there is a nice, finely polished tannic structure to the lengthy finish.