WTN: 2005 Montelena Estate Cabernet

[David M. Bueker]

2005 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/4/2014)
Served blind. Opened about 90 minutes prior to the tasting. What a deliciously balanced Cabernet. Dark fruit, a bit of mocha, some warm, dried herbs and a hint of finishing spice (wood spie?) made this interesting from first sip to last. I went back to it a couple of hours later, and it had fleshed out even more. There is tannin present, but it is in the background and quite suave. Fantastic.

Yeah, it's been real nice like that right from the get-go, in my experience. Thanks for the note, David.

-Michael

[David M. Bueker]

My note from 2009 pegged it as a more friendly style of Montelena.

Thanks for the tasting note, David. I have a case of this in my cellar. It's good to know that it's enjoyable now, but it sounds as though there's no hurry.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Indeed - no hurry.