WTN: 2008 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

[David M. Bueker]

A lucky pour at a United lounge in the airport. Normally would have cost me a bit (no way I was drinking the "house" wine), but I guess I looked like the haggared traveler I was, so I got a small (3 oz) or so pour gratis.

I'm sure the bottle had been open a while, but the wine sure did not show any negative effects. The aromatics showed ripe plum and cassis tones, with notable, though not excessive oak for such a young wine. Quite velvety on the palate, suprisingly so, though the Napa is not the Estate in terms of longevity and/or ferocity of tannin. Overall it drank very well, and made a stressful travel day a little bit more pleasant.

Looks like I need to put my United points to better use! The joy of Montelena, but I presume this was not the Estate?


Late edit: I now see you DID say it was the Napa. Still nice to have.

Looks like I need to put my United points to better use! The joy of Montelena, but I presume this was not the Estate?

The Napa is far removed from the Estate in quality as a rule. But better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

i just had this at the united club in las vegas! nice for an airport club, but certainly doesn't have the elegance that the estate cabernet can have.

i just had this at the united club in las vegas! nice for an airport club, but certainly doesn't have the elegance that the estate cabernet can have.

That's all right David leans toward the rustic side, not much for the elegance bit.

[David M. Bueker]

i just had this at the united club in las vegas! nice for an airport club, but certainly doesn't have the elegance that the estate cabernet can have.

That's all right David leans toward the rustic side, not much for the elegance bit.

No Donnhoff for you!