2003 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel Estate
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Tasting notes
Good full red. Plum, redcurrant, mocha, milk chocolate and earth on the nose; a claret-like style of zin. Then round, fat and a bit soft in the mouth, with modest real cut. In fact, the flavors of coffee and chocolate cough medicine seem a bit blurry today. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From dry-farmed, head-pruned Zinfandel vineyards planted in Calistoga, Montelena’s dark ruby-hued 2003 Zinfandel Estate offers a big, briery, cherry, pepper, loamy soil, and earthy-scented bouquet. Enjoy this spicy, rich, full-bodied effort over the next 3-4 years. At the end of my tastings, Bo Barrett opened a 1986 Montelena (rated 94), and it is still incredibly young, rich, vibrant, and full-bodied. It is a terrific expression of Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made by a master. It appears to have another 20-25 years of aging potential. (Release date 3/06) Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221
Deeper ruby-red. Higher-pitched aromas of cassis, black cherry, minerals, licorice, menthol and flowers. Sweet but firm, currently showing a bit more life and lift than the 2002. Finishes with substantial building tannins. This needs bottling soon. Barrett has added 3% petite sirah, which he feels contributes density and freshness. "I like the way the petite sirah has a blanketing effect on the tongue," he noted.
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.