2001 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, tasted from magnum, is superb. It's more than that. The 2001 is exactly what a 20 year-old Napa Valley Cabernet should be. Hints of bay leaf, tobacco, incense and licorice meld into a core of brambly dark fruit. There's plenty of structure and old school classicism to admire, not to mention more than enough power to ensure another two decades of very fine drinking. The 2001 has been a controversial wine in some settings, but this magnum is pristine. This is a tremendous showing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, dark red with ruby tones. Captivating floral lift to the very primary aromas of black cherry, cassis, minerals and earth, plus subtle notes of coffee and mocha. Tactile and sharply delineated, delivering a wonderful balance of sweet fruit and salty mineral and soil elements. Still linear but not at all angular, this penetrating wine finishes firmly tannic, classically dry, subtle and very long, with echoing mineral complexity. Really complete Cabernet here--and stuffed with flavor. (the estate began using a new Delta destemmer as of 2001)
Bright, dark red with ruby tones. Captivating floral lift to the very primary aromas of black cherry, cassis, minerals and earth, plus subtle notes of coffee and mocha. Tactile and sharply delineated, delivering a wonderful balance of sweet fruit and salty mineral and soil elements. Still linear but not at all angular, this penetrating wine finishes firmly tannic, classically dry, subtle and very long, with echoing mineral complexity. Really complete Cabernet here--and stuffed with flavor. (14.1% alcohol; the estate began using a new Delta destemmer as of 2001)
Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with notes of charcuterie, yeast extract and cedar over a core of red and black currant jelly, tobacco leaf and new leather plus a hint of dried sage. Medium-bodied, it has a firm frame of chewy tannins and plenty of freshness lifting the savory/earthy flavors, finishing long and a bit woody.
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.