Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a Napa Valley classic from a historic estate founded in 1882 in Calistoga, known for a more restrained, food-friendly style designed for ageing. This Cabernet embodies that philosophy well: fruit, structure and elegance rather than excess. 2021 began with a hot, dry spring, which brought the growing cycle forward. High temperatures during flowering reduced the quantity of fruit, but what remained was excellent. In the final stretch, the moderate heat helped the grapes to ripen fully and in a balanced manner. The harvest took place between 6 September and 1 October.

Vinification: Ageing lasted 16 months in French and Eastern European oak barrels, 26% new oak. Bottled in April 2023 with 14.1% vol alcohol.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, density and richness, with pomegranate, plum and dried blackberry, followed by subtle oak toast, potpourri, black pepper, fig compote and cherry tobacco. On the palate it is very complete: fruit, acidity and tannin emerge in layers, united by notes of fresh mint and graphite. The Merlot lends softness and refines the texture. On the finish, pastry spices, earth, toasted almond, toasted hazelnut, fresh raspberry and black tea. Elegant, restrained and highly food-friendly, this is a Napa Cabernet that is already a pleasure to drink now, but which will clearly improve with bottle ageing.

Grape Varieties: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc