Notify me
Product Details
Product Details
Tasting Notes: This Cabernet has all of the markers of a great Montelena wine. The palate is bursting with a dynamic and seemingly haphazard array of fruit, acid and tannin, all tied together with fresh mint and graphite. Rest assured, all of these elements will settle into place over time. There’s a beautiful, almost velvety, softness from the Merlot that rounds off most of the coarse edges and lends refinement. Best of all, this wine is approachable now but will build complexity with time in glass.
The Finish: The baking spices really come into focus here along with notes of earth and toasted almond. The tannins are chalky, rather than angular, and roasted hazelnut complements the fresh raspberry and black tea. This is truly an elegant, restrained, food-friendly wine.
Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon FAQs
What is Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon? Chateau Montelena is a legendary Napa Valley winery in Calistoga, famous for winning the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting that helped establish California as a world-class wine region. The Cabernet Sauvignon (non-Estate) is their appellation-level wine, sourced from across Napa Valley, and offers a more accessible entry point into the Montelena style than the flagship Estate Cabernet.
How is this Cabernet made? Chateau Montelena's Cabernet Sauvignon is made from selected Napa Valley fruit and produced using traditional winemaking methods at their historic castle winery. The wine is aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels and is crafted to be approachable earlier than the Estate wine while still reflecting the elegant, structured Montelena house style.
What does Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? Expect dark fruit notes of blackcurrant and plum, cedar, tobacco, and subtle oak. The wine has good structure with firm tannins and refreshing acidity. It is more forward than the Estate bottling but still has the classic, food-friendly character that Montelena is known for.
What is the alcohol content? Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon is typically bottled around 13.5% to 14.5% ABV. Check the label of your specific bottle for the exact percentage.
How does this compare to the Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet? The Estate Cabernet comes exclusively from Montelena's own vineyards on the property and is the flagship wine. The regular Cabernet Sauvignon draws from a broader Napa Valley appellation and is designed for earlier enjoyment. Both share the same restrained, elegant philosophy, but the Estate is the more prestigious and age-worthy of the two.
Can I personalize a bottle of Chateau Montelena? Yes. Personal Wine offers custom engraving and personalized labels on Chateau Montelena bottles, making it a distinguished gift for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone celebrating a meaningful occasion.
Is this a good gift? Chateau Montelena carries enormous prestige in the American wine world. Gifting a bottle, especially with a personalized label or engraving, shows thoughtfulness and excellent taste. It is ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate classic California Cabernet with a storied background.
How should I serve this Cabernet? Serve at around 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes to open up the aromas. It pairs well with grilled ribeye, braised lamb, roasted chicken, aged hard cheeses, and hearty pasta dishes.
Where does Personal Wine ship this Cabernet? Personal Wine ships Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon to most states across the U.S. Wine cannot be shipped to all states due to varying regulations. Please check availability at checkout for your specific state.
