Winemaker Notes
The density and richness of this wine are teased right from the start. Pomegranate, plum and dried blackberry lead a lavish charge of ripe, dark fruit. In the midst, there’s a hint of barrel toast, first as charcoal and then as fresh wood. The aromas remain elevated, with potpourri and black pepper initially, and then concluding with fig jam and cherry tobacco. This Cabernet has all of the markers
of a great Montelena wine. The palate is bursting with a dynamic and seemingly haphazard array of fruit, acid and tannin, all tied together with fresh mint and graphite. Rest assured, all of these elements will settle into place over time. There’s a beautiful, almost velvety, softness from the Merlot that rounds off most of the coarse edges and lends refinement. Best of all, this wine is approachable now but will build complexity with time in glass. The baking spices really come into
focus here along with notes of earth and toasted almond. The tannins are chalky, rather than angular, and roasted hazelnut complements the fresh raspberry and black tea. This is truly an elegant, restrained, food-friendly wine.
Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
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.