Chateau Montelena
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Jim Barrett’s dream of Chateau Montelena was that this wine, their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, achieve the balance and complexity of flavors, aromas and textures to be considered among the great examples of Cabernet in the world. Almost since his first vintages in the 1970s, this wine has been a show-stopper that has everything in place, while revealing the majesty and distinctive character of the estate vineyard site in the northern Napa area that the Barretts led to recognition as its own appellation, Calistoga.
Today, the 50-year legacy of excellence in farming, crafting and blending powerful wines and continued innovation and attention to detail is what sets Chateau Montelena Winery apart.
Vineyard
This wine is 100% made with estate fruit. The diversity of soils and slopes where this is grown in Calistoga directly translates to layers of complexity and depth in the glass. The Estate vineyard is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides. The vineyard gently slopes downward towards its base, where a small patch of sedimentary soil was deposited by the settling of an ancient ocean or lake. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting.
Winemaking
The wine is made up of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (34% new) for 22 months. It exuberantly reflects the Calistoga vineyard, while balancing power with an extraordinary ability to age.
Vintage
A cold frosty spring caused some damage and reduced the size of the crop, then the heat and wind showed up right in time for bloom, resulting in widespread shatter, again reducing the crop here on the Estate. e heart of the growing season was actually quite nice and normal, but then the heat showed up for the harvest pushing some of the fruit to dehydration and serving up the final challenge of the season. Lots of movement on that curveball. Despite all these challenges, 2008 produced an incredible,
concentrated and exceptional Estate Cabernet that is very representative of the vintage.
Tasting Note
As expected, the aromas here have evolved but not fundamentally changed
after an additional ten years in bottle. Dark cherry and cedar still dominate, although there’s significantly more black pepper and baking spice. Some of the latter is undoubtedly from the cooperage, as barrel character tends to become unmasked over time. But the fruit profile, which threads the needle between ripe and restrained, is quite remarkable. At first, it’s modern and lavish. After a few moments, it’s classic and complex. A beautiful wine.
The palate is quite energetic with bright red fruit, plenty of acidity, and ample texture. The breadth of flavor is on display here as this vintage rewarded precision over power. That translates to extremely fine grain tannins and a laser focus on earth and minerality in addition to fresh plum and dried strawberry. This is truly a wine of place, reflecting the genuine character of the 2008 growing season and the Montelena Estate.
The earthy texture peaks during the finish but never overshadows the dried cherry and tobacco notes, which slowly rise to the forefront. The acidity has mellowed quite a bit, into a candy-like existence, contrasting hints of cocoa and briar. Interestingly, it’s the tannin that lingers, inviting another sip.
-Winemaker Matt Crafton
Food Pairing
This is a powerhouse wine that can stand up to any number of complex dishes, but can be best enjoyed with beef, lamb, game (deer, venison) and mature, hard cheeses.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Farming
The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is sustainably farmed and produced in their solar powered winery
Alcohol
13.9%
Suggested Retail Price
$275.00
Reviews
"Aristocratic"
Wine Advocate - April 6, 2023
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a killer wine that should continue to drink well for another 15 years or so. It offers up evolved notes of cigar box but remains fresh, with intense redcurrant and cassis still in evidence on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky, aristocratic in bearing and long on the finish." -J.C 2/23
Reviews
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Potter Valley Riesling
Mendocino, California
Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the balance of Montelena, classic “old-world” structure with ripe California fruit. It is crafted from fruit coming from the Montelena vineyard and several prime neighboring vineyards, all in the Calistoga AVA. The Montelena Napa Cabernet is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release, but in Montelena style, while age and develop beautifully.
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the best of the old-world structure, acidity and grace, with California ripeness and texture. Having zero malolactic notes and limited oak, this style Chardonnay focuses on the importance of vintage, vineyard, and pure varietal character. The bright acidity builds nuanced complexity for 10-30 years. To showcase the ageability of this wine, the vintage of a half-decade prior is re-released alongside the current vintage.
Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California
Produced from grapes grown on the Montelena Estate vineyard, the Zinfandel is a classically-structured, subtle and refined wine. More than anything, it hearkens back to the way that Zinfandel was made in the 1960s and 1970s, with completely distinctive, rich and spicy California berry fruit, but a balance that made them no heavier than their Cabernet counterparts.