The wines at Chateau Montelena are often described as having classic “old-world” structure with ripe California fruit. These wines tend to have more acid, lower pH, and more moderate alcohol levels compared to some flashy “modern” Cabs. This classic chemistry allows them to pair very well with a variety of dishes, and sets them up for graceful ageing. The beauty of the style is that you get all the wonderful ripe flavours that California is known for, but with more expression of place, and less noise and distraction from high alcohol and overwhelming new oak.

The final blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The nose is rich, with blackberry jam, vanilla, and allspice yielding to dried plum and coffee bean. The palate is deceptively soft up front, with strawberry and raspberry immediately apparent. These flavours become more concentrated as tannins and acidity come into focus. The finish is elegant and balanced, drawing in bright acidity and a chalky minerality. Chateau Montelena fans will find the complexity, elegance, and Old World – New World balance they’ve come to expect.

“This midnight black colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Montelena opens with a black currant and graphite bouquet with hints of new leather, moist pipe tobacco, and blueberry. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, smooth, and seamless. The flavor profile is a black currant and oak blend with notes of toasted coconut and graphite. We also detected hints of black tea, plum, and milk chocolate. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins stick around for a very long time. We would pair this mature Cab with a beef wellington. Enjoy – Ken & Dave”
94 points, Kens Wine Guide, October 2024