Nose
In the glass, the wine displays classic notes of raspberry jam, mocha, and a subtle hint of baking spices. After a few minutes, the bouquet opens to reveal lush aromas of toasty cedar, crème de cassis, and fresh blackberry.
Palate
A complex interplay of sweet French oak, subtle earth, and a chewy minerality that devoted Montelena fans will instantly recognize. The mid palate is clean and fresh with rhubarb pie, strawberry candy, and just a touch of smoky espresso that become incredibly pronounced with additional time in the glass.
The transition to the fi nish is
seamless, and will only improve
with age. Here the refreshing
acidity, rounded tannin, and
intense fruit vie for the spotlight.
Upon release, the soft tannins seem
to win out as the dense texture
lingers, inviting another sip from
the glass.
Growing Conditions
The 2013 vintage was yet another blockbuster for Napa Valley. Early winter rains and dry spring weather combined to induce
just enough early stress in our vines to stimulate the development of rich texture and body, characteristic of our Estate
Cabernet. Th e long, warm summer that followed, coupled with good yields, brought each block into balance quite quickly
requiring little intervention and encouraging uniform ripening. Th e result is an age-worthy wine that showcases the classic balance of Old World structure and New World ripeness.
