Chateau Montelena
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
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 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (40% new) for 22 months. It exuberantly reflects the Calistoga vineyard, while balancing power with an extraordinary ability to age.
Vintage
2016 will be remembered as a classic vintage in Napa Valley, with consistent temperatures and few extremes. Despite low yields, a mild August and September moderated ripening, allowing for uniform maturity and very selective, targeted picks.
Tasting Note
Incredibly floral and opulent nose with a distinctly red berry character, complemented by notes of Earl Grey and cedar. Dense but light on its feet, the contrast of velvety tannins and bright acid bookend a youthful and vibrant palate, chock full of blackberry sorbet, plum sauce, and strawberry jam. Baking spices abound on the finish along with coffee bean, star anise, and an almost caramellike sweetness that dovetails beautifully with fresh blueberry and cinnamon.
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, Petit Verdot
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
13.8%
Suggested Retail Price
$160.00
Reviews
"Dark, ample and totally seductive"
Vinous (94+) - January 21, 2020 “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is dark, ample and totally seductive. Black cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all meld together. Pliant and supple, the 2016 is already incredibly delicious. This is an especially mid-weight wine and style. Accordingly, the 2016 Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Estate was bottled just two months before this tasting. I imagine it will put on some weight with further time in bottle. All the elements appear to be in the right place for that to happen.”
Reviews
More on Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Ultra-Private Napa Valley Experiences
September 1, 2020 - Visit Napa Valley included Chateau Montelena in a piece showcasing the winery's partnership with Calistoga Ranch. Chateau Montelena and Calistoga Ranch developed a menu of exclusive tasting experiences that enable guests…
Where To Stay
September 2, 2020 - Hemispheres, the in-flight magazine for United Airlines, included Chateau Montelena in a piece showcasing the winery's partnership with Calistoga Ranch. Chateau Montelena and Calistoga Ranch developed a menu of exclusive tasting…
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.
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.
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
A true icon. The Napa Valley Chardonnay is the wine that put Chateau Montelena and Napa Valley at the forefront of the wine world in 1976, in what is now memorialized as “The Judgment of Paris.” To great disbelief, the Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay was the top-ranking wine against four white Burgundies and five other California Chardonnays. And as they say, the rest is history.
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.
