WTN: Calistoga Wagon

[David M. Bueker]

• 2011 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga (10/1/2024)
  From my late father’s cellar, and the six pack was unopened when I brought it home. Gave a bottle to a friend, and this was the first one I tried. Lots of negative commentary about 2011 Napa Cabernet over the years, but this shows none of the issues. It still has a touch of modern Napa ripeness, but the vintage conditions keeps things moderate to classic in style. Dark berry fruit, moderately firm tannins, and a hint of green tobacco on the finish make a happy blend of old and new school Napa. I generally hesitate with 2011 wines from Northern California, but no issues here. Drink sometime from 2030-2045.

Did you mean "none of the issues" rather than "one of the issues"?

Thanks for the tasting note. I'll try to keep my grubby hands off of my 2011 Montelena Estate for now.

-Paul W.

Thanks for note. I have one 6 pack. I actually thought the 2011 Montelena Chard was pretty decent as well.

[David M. Bueker]

Did you mean "none of the issues" rather than "one of the issues"?

Thanks for the tasting note. I'll try to keep my grubby hands off of my 2011 Montelena Estate for now.

-Paul W.

Yep. Typo.

[Jenise]

Thanks for note. I have one 6 pack. I actually thought the 2011 Montelena Chard was pretty decent as well.

Montelena Chard in cool vintages like 2011 are absolute treasures. Well, for California anyway.

One of my favourites and one I always tried to visit on my car related trips to CA. All my chards are gone now but I still have a couple of cases of Cabs from the early 90s that I am (very) slowly enjoying - will be putting one into an American wine dinner next month - probably a 91 or 92.