Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Size:12x750ml (70% whole clusters)

(70% whole clusters)

In any event

This more obviously structured effort is almost delicate at present though I suspect that the mid-palate will further flesh out with bottle age

Somewhat surprisingly this appears to be even riper than the Clos de Bèze with its mocha-infused nose of plum

generous and opulently textured medium-bodied flavors that possess good power on the mineral-inflected and mildly austere finish that offers fine finishing balance as well as excellent length

Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Size:12x750ml (70% whole clusters)Good deep red. Red berries, pungent herbs, menthol and cedary oak on the nose. Brisk and tightly wound, with edgy flavors of cherry syrup and rhubarb. The tannins are a bit dry but hit the palate late, allowing the red fruit flavors to express themselves on the back. Shows a slight overripe underripe character but I would not be at all surprised if this wine came into better harmony with another year or two of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer