Vinous Media 95+
A total knock-out, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate captures all the potential of this great site. Powerful, voluptuous and structured, yet very much within the context of classicism that has defined these wines for several decades. Dark red cherry, stone fruits, smoke, licorice and scorched earth, along with beams of tannin, wrap around the palate. Deep, virile and explosive, the 2014 is a must have. Don't miss it!

by Vinous Media, AG, 2016.

Vintage
Climate: Budbreak did not arrive abnormally early despite the relatively warm winter and concern over low rainfall. Mild weather, coupled with plenty of cool nights, extended the growing season for ideal conditions. Fruit quality exuberantly reflects the Calistoga vineyard.
Vinification
Chateau Montelena's Estate Caberneth Sauvignon is made up of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (30% new) for 22 months.

Estate
Chateau Montelena's history is one of the deepest and most storied in the Napa Valley and California. Founded just north of Calistoga in 1882, it was one of the largest wineries in the state. Prohibition put an end to Montelena's winemaking, and the next major era began in 1968, when Jim Barrett purchased the estate. Jim fell in love with this exceptional property, blessed with a complex mix of soils, slopes and biodiversity of wildlife and fauna. He had a dream of creating wine at the level of the great First Growths of Bordeaux, and set about replanting the vineyard, outfitting the winery with modern equipment, and studying the processes necessary for farming and winemaking at the highest quality level.

Vineyard
Soils: The diversity of soils and slopes in the Estate Vineyard directly translates to layers of complexity and depth in the glass. It is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides with sedimentary, alluvial and volcanic soils.
Farming: This wine is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is sustainably farmed and produced in their solar powered winery.
Grape Varieties: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Wine
Jim Barrett's dream of Chateau Montelena was that this wine, their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, achieve the balance and complexity of flavors, aromas and textures to be considered among the great examples of Cabernet in the world. Almost since his first vintages in the 1970s, this wine has been a show-stopper that has everything in place, while revealing the majesty and distinctive character of the estate vineyard site that the Barretts led to recognition as its own appellation, Calistoga. Today, the 50-year legacy of excellence in farming, crafting and blending powerful wines and continued innovation is what sets Chateau Montelena Winery apart.

Winemaking
Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to allow the wines to ferment slowly and evenly.
Aging: 22 Months in 100% French oak barrels (35% new).
Alcohol: 14.1% ABV