Winemaker Notes
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.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a little mute at this stage, offering up glimpses of crushed blackberry, red plums and wild blueberries notes with touches of pencil shavings, dried Mediterranean herbs and forest floor. Medium-bodied, it has a velvety backbone and mouth-filling red and blue fruits, finishing long and earthy.
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James Suckling
Extremely attractive aromas of asphalt, blueberry and rose petal. Full body with very well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. Montelena estate shows a refinement and balance one expects in traditional Napa cabernet sauvignon.
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Wine Spectator
This red combines a sleek, rich core of dark berry, black licorice, roasted coffee and cedar flavors with a black licorice underpinning. The texture is firm, but the tannins have a fleshy side, with a long, clean finish. Shows a more supple, graceful, accessible style of Montelena Cabernet Drink now through 2028.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.