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SKU 1006227
$519.94/bottle
Out of stock
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This cold rainy year has a bad reputation (some in Napa didn’t even pick), but the Montelena is one of the valley’s successes, with Bordeaux-like elegance, a red fruit profile, bright acidity and silky-soft tannins. Typically, the blend includes 20% hillside vineyard grapes – for this wine it was 35%. Aromas of lavender, earth, bay leaves and spice jump out of the glass and rich minerality ties together the savoury, subtle flavours. Drinking Window 2019 – 2026.
By far and away the most recognized and widely grown red wine grape varietal in the world is the Cabernet Sauvignon. First cultivated in the 18th century in France, this wonderful cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes has long since been the most important varietal for red wines across the globe. Now grown everywhere from its native France to the furthest reaches of the New World, Cabernet Sauvignon is adored and prized by wineries for its hardiness and resistance to rot, as well as its large and sharp flavors and wonderful capability for fine aging Indeed, many of the finest wines of history and the modern age would be simply unimaginable without Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with the famed wineries of Bordeaux and other important regions using it as the primary grape in their oak aged produce. High tannin levels, acidity and powerful flavors are the characteristics most commonly associated with this varietal, however, when blended and slowly aged, it is capable of a world of flavors and aromas unmatched by any other grape.
Country
United States
Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.
Region
California
California as a wine producing region has grown in size and importance considerably over the past couple of centuries, and today is the proud producer of more than ninety percent of the United States' wines. Indeed, if California was a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with a vast range of vineyards covering almost half a million acres. The secret to California's success as a wine region has a lot to do with the high quality of its soils, and the fact that it has an extensive Pacific coastline which perfectly tempers the blazing sunshine it experiences all year round. The winds coming off the ocean cool the vines, and the natural valleys and mountainsides which make up most of the state's wine regions make for ideal areas in which to cultivate a variety of high quality grapes.
Appellation
Napa Valley
When it comes to New World wines, and especially wines from the United States of America, Napa Valley is something of a standard bearer. Over its relatively short history, it has managed to transform itself from being a fairly insignificant region, to becoming one of the most important and highly regarding wine locations on earth. With an ideal climate for viticulture, blazing sunshine and a low level of rainfall, this valley is shielded on many sides by mountain ranges which help it maintain a consistent level of heat, light and moisture throughout the year. Today, Napa Valley is a home of innovation and quality, with dozens of grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils. However, the main varietals grown there have always been Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel, and the wines they produce are constantly lauded by critics and competitions across the globe.
DC92pts
Decanter
This cold rainy year has a bad reputation (some in Napa didn’t even pick), but the Montelena is one of the valley’s successes, with Bordeaux-like elegance, a red fruit profile, bright acidity and silky-soft tannins. Typically, the blend includes 20% hillside vineyard grapes - for this wine it was 35%. Aromas of lavender, earth, bay leaves and spice jump out of the glass and rich minerality ties together the savoury, subtle flavours. Drinking Window 2019 - 2026.
WA91pts
Wine Advocate
Pale to medium garnet-purple colored, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate features notes of cranberries, black raspberries and warm red currants with touches of garrigue, lavender and wild thyme. Medium-bodied with understated, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, it finishes with pleasant herb and toast flavors.
JS91pts
James Suckling
A red with blueberry and cherry character, plus hints of bark. Medium body with fine tannins and a savory finish. Fine wine for the vintage. Drink now.
VM91pts
Vinous Media
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a pretty wine from Chateau Montelena. Expressive floral and savory notes add complexity to the dark, pliant fruit in a soft, open Cabernet that is already quite tasty. I expect the 2011 will drink well early, but then again, these wines can be deceptively age worthy. That said, there are no hard edges or vegetal notes at all. Montelena's 2011 Estate impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony.
Winery Notes
This is a powerhouse wine that can stand up to any number of complex dishes, but can be best enjoyed with beef, lamb, game (deer, venison) and mature, hard cheeses.
1.5Ltr
