2004 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
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Tasting notes
Dark ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black fruits, spices, volcanic minerality and earth, plus a sexy note of coffee torrefaction, all lifted by a violet topnote; reminded me of a ripe-year Pauillac. Wonderfully silky and concentrated on entry, then tactile and solid yet juicy as well in the middle palate, conveying terrific sweetness of sun-baked dark fruits complicated by licorice and exotic spices. This compellingly rich, deep wine displays the sappiness of a fruit reduction. The wine's saline minerality contributes to its impression of energy and a note of juicy cranberry enhances its current appeal. But this beauty is just embarking on what should be a multi-decade plane of peak drinkability. Uncommon flavor intensity here--and still just 30% new oak. Incidentally, this is the first year that "Calistoga" appeared on the front label, along with Napa Valley. (It was actually Bo Barrett who initially proposed AVA status for Calistoga, but it wasn't officially granted until 2009. (14.1% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc. Big drought, warm vintage. 23 months in 100% French oak, 30% new. Winemaker Bo Barrett. Bottled December 2006, released March 2008. Perfumed – almost Cabernet Franc on the nose. Just a little dry on the end. (JR)
(14.1% alcohol): Healthy medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of cassis, kirsch , tar, espresso and mint. Suave, fine-grained and vibrant; not a powerhouse but boasts a texture of liquid silk. The very intense dark berry and dark chocolate flavors show a captivating restrained sweetness and great energy. This very young but impeccably balanced wine spreads out subtly to saturate the palate on the very long, rising finish, which features noble tannins and terrific juicy verve. A stunning bottle.
A classic, old style Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Montelena’s 2004 reveals beautiful purity along with lots of creme de cassis fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long finish. By Montelena standards, it is a bit more powerful than usual (14.1% alcohol). These wines have an uncanny ability to age for 2-3 decades, and while the 2004 is slightly more forward and evolved than other vintages have been (2001 and 2002), it should last for 20-25 years. Tel. (707) 942-5105
About the producer
Chateau Montelena is a historic Napa Valley estate that rose to global fame after its 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Renowned for both its Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery continues to produce elegant, age-worthy wines with a legacy of excellence.