Reviews & Ratings

2018 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon "Estate"

Winery: Chateau Montelena

Vintage: 2018

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Estate"

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Petit Verdot & 0.5% Cabernet Franc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Calistoga

State or country: CA

Price: $200

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 93 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: December 23, 2022

Wine Review: This opaque and dark purple colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Montelena opens with a toasted coconut, black cherry, and eucalyptus bouquet with hints of black currant and graphite. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, fleshy and savory. The flavor profile is a black cherry and graphite blend with notes of toasted coconut. We also picked up some hints of mild cedar, dusty cocoa and blackberry in the mix. The finish is dry, and its flavors and refined tannins linger nicely. The Tasting Panel would pair this Cab with Brazilian steak or with prime rib. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Fresh and lively, the wine opens effusively with raspberry, mint, and plum sauce. The baking spices soon follow, leaning clove initially but with plenty of cedar and vanilla. Still subtle, the ripe fruit elements, mostly cassis and fig at this stage, lurk beneath the surface along with beautiful hints of graphite and toasted sage, awaiting additional time in glass. Still very tightly wound, it’s the texture and mouthfeel that drive the palate initially. The tannins in particular are somewhat coarse but not so angular to overshadow the abundant dark fruit. The dynamic tension on the midpalate serves to focus and magnify the layers of black cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper, before turning slightly earthy and dusty. The structure is pronounced, but still harmonious and well defined. It’s in the transition to the finish that the acidity materializes in almost candy-like fashion, a beautiful contrast to the supple tannins. Here the wine’s density shines elegantly, well balanced between smoky, espresso bean and delicate, dried blackberry. It’s the latter that defines the finish at this moment, persistent in length and depth.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chateau Montelena 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.