2006 Chateau Montelena, The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 91+

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate appears to have completely shut down, not surprising as Montelena’s Cabernet Sauvignons typically need plenty of time. The 2006 reveals medium to full body, austere tannins and lots of red and black fruits, dusty, loamy soil undertones and a hint of herbs/tobacco leaf. Give it another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20+. [Robert Parker, 12/01/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034

Vinous 92

Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, cassis and boysenberry aromas complemented by licorice, violet, menthol and bitter chocolate. Juicy, intensely flavored and quite fresh but a bit youthfully disjointed, with a firm tannin/acid spine supporting the crushed dark berry and menthol flavors. The wine’s substantial tannins will need time to knit, but this wine retains good aromatic freshness. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2009]