1999 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
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Tasting notes
Good dark red with no amber showing. Medicinal black fruits, violet, menthol and mint on the nose, complemented by crushed-rock volcanic minerality. Very pure and intense, with its ripe but youthfully primary dark fruit, mineral and bitter chocolate flavors framed by a strong impression of acidity. The tannins are substantial but ripe, with the finish showing lovely subtle flavor development and sneaky building length. Today this wine stands out for its purity and cut and I'd expand it to expand further with more time in the bottle. (13.9% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Deep, vibrant crimson. Deep and savoury nose. But not really held together in the middle. A bit scrawny. Needs years in bottle, by which time it will cost even more. (JR)
The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (an 8,600-case cuvee made from yields of 1.98 tons of fruit per acre) is considered by Bo Barrett to be a "great" year. The wine boasts a saturated inky/purple color as well as extraordinary density of fruit and cassis, and huge tannin, body, and extract. It is a substantial, palate-staining, long, muscular Cabernet that should only be purchased by connoisseurs with cold cellars as well as patience. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030. The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of California's most remarkable Cabernets. I have been following it since the early seventies, and even the most difficult vintages are still drinking beautifully. The home vineyard is so consistent that even in vintages such as 1989 and 1998, this wine is far better than its competition. Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221
Bright ruby-red. Very pure, perfumed aromas of cassis, redcurrant, black cherry, bitter chocolate, minerals and tobacco; shows none of the herbal, minty quality of the '98. Powerfully structured, primary and fresh, with firm acidity; real essence of Napa Valley cabernet. Very long, palate-staining finish features firm but perfectly buffered tannins. This will develop slowly and be long-lived. A potentially great vintage for this wine.
About the producer
Chateau Montelena is a historic Napa Valley estate that rose to global fame after its 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Renowned for both its Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery continues to produce elegant, age-worthy wines with a legacy of excellence.