Robert Parker 89 points - The winery continues to turn out a strong Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in the Calistoga area. This is a big production item (10,000 cases), and tends to be a good value for a high-class Napa Cabernet. The 2004 has supple tannins, the vintage’s very fruit-forward character, a dark ruby/purple color, and notes of damp earth intermixed with black currant and spice box in a medium to full-bodied, lush style to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. (Dec 2007)
The wine has a nice dark, garnet Cabernet color. In the glass, the nose is primarily rich aromas of black cherry currant and menthol. It is very much fruit-dominated, and for the first few years its jammy Cabernet-berry and menthol characteristics will predominate - after which the soil’s contribution and winemaking, with the hints of new wood will begin to emerge. On entry it delivers a broad mouthful of fruit with cherry and cassis, plus relatively pronounced Cabernet tannins typical, at this young stage, of a fast-ripening crop. Vintages like 2004 do tend to concentrate the juice so every flavor element comes across stronger. Think of this wine as I do, as a good “old school” example of our Napa Valley Cabernet.
*Sourced from www.montelana.com
| Review |
| Marked by herb, sage and loamy, earthy dried currant and berry fruit that's intense and concentrated, but also quite dry and tannic, even bitter. Needs time. Best from 2009 through 2013. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 8,200 cases made. –JL
Wine Spectator
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| Wine maker notes |
| "The 2004 Vintage began in a very normal fashion and we had smooth sailing throughout the entire Chardonnay harvest. But by early "September it became downright challenging. As Vineyard Manager Dave Vella said, “After 30 years you would think you had seen it all, but Nooo!” On September 2 a high temperature pattern set in, bringing with it strong, drying winds and exceptionally low humidity. This acted to shorten the second half of the vintage, which consisted totally of red grapes. These intense weeks tested our ‘wine-growing’ skills, but I am proud to say our experience produced exceptional results."
*Sourced from http://www.montelana.com |
| Technical notes |
| Harvest Dates: Cabernet Sauvignon: Sept. 4 to Sept. 27/
Merlot: Sept. 7 to Sept. 15
Bottling Date: May 2006
Release Date: Spring 2007
Cases Produced: 11,000
Composition/Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley
Barrels: 20% new French
Time in Oak: 18 months
Sugar at Harvest: Cabernet Sauvignon: 24.9-27.6 brix/Merlot: 24.7-26.5 brix
Alcohol: 14.7%
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