Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
- Vintage
- 2008
- Country
- USA
- Region
- US-Napa Valley
- Size
- 750ml
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rating
- WA92, WS92
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a gorgeous, mid-weight wine laced with mint, cassis, sweet herbs and tobacco. It is an understated, gracious wine from start to finish. This is a relatively approachable vintage for the Estate. It shows tons of finesse and mid-palate generosity while maintaining a medium-bodied personality. Today it is quite young, although it is drinking well. Readers who prefer more tertiary notes will want to cellar the wine for at least a few years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028. - WA92
Old-school, but well-done, this is tight and firm, showing a dense, balanced mix of dried currant, mineral, cedar, cigar box and tobacco flavors. Ends with good depth, range of flavor and tannins. Best from 2013 through 2023. - WS92
NOSE
Complex aromas of dark cherry, dried fruits, earth, cedar, and vanilla cream along with hints of licorice and leather.
PALATE
The palate opens with big, chewy tannin—rm but not coarse— and builds even bigger into a midpalate loaded with ripe red fruits and dried black fruits.
FINISH
There is a good, strong acid backbone completing the balance and structure. The barrel flavors are well integrated throughout but are best evident in the warm and spicy finish. - Winemaker's Notes
Chateau Montelena was founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs. The renaissance of the winery, under the leadership of James Barrett, began in 1972 with the replanting of the Estate vineyard and the establishment of the Chateau Montelena philosophy: make the best, period. Today the tradition continues. Jim Barrett's son, Bo, winemaker at Chateau Montelena beginning in 1982, is now its Master Winemaker. After more than three decades of experience with the same vineyards and varieties, the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley Chardonnay are recognized as world-class.