2018 CHÂTEAU MONTELENA, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 12x75cl*

GRAPE VARIETIES: 

8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc

SKU: 

5500917G

PRODUCER: 

Chateau Montelena

REGION: 

United States / Napa Valley

ALCOHOL CONTENT: 

14.50% 

FOOD MATCHING NOTE: 

NA

TASTING NOTE: 

Fresh and lively, the wine opens exclusively with raspberry, mint and plum sauce. The baking spices soon follow, leaning clove initially but with plenty of cedar and vanilla. Still subtle, the ripe fruit elements, mostly cassis and fig at this stage, lurk beneath the surface along with beautiful hints of graphite and toasted sage, awaiting additional time in glass. Still very tightly wound, it’s the texture and mouthfeel that drive the palate initially. The tannins in particular are somewhat coarse but not so angular to overshadow the abundant dark fruit. The dynamic tension on the midpalate serves to focus and magnify the layers of black cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper, before turning slightly earthy and dusty. The structure is pronounced, but still harmonious and well defined.

*Available only under request