- 2012 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga (4/13/2024)
From my late father’s cellar - he bought a solid six pack as a club member, but never drank one. Opened this at about 4 PM, and at 7:30 PM it’s textbook classical Napa Cabernet. One foot is stepping ever so lightly into Bordeaux, while the California sunshine exerts its inescapable influence. What impresses me the most about this particular rendition is the foundation of the wine, all pencil shavings and mineral. The fruit and oak are clearly present, but they are tethered, held in check. It’s still early for a strong vintage of Montelena like this one, but I’m glad I opened one while watching The Masters. Cheers Dad!