From bottle a solid 93. Surprisingly lush and charming for a young Montelena, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a deep ruby/purple color, with earthy, black cherry and blackcurrants. The wine has very ripe tannins, and is medium to full-bodied with outstanding purity and balance. Most Montelena estate Cabernets have traditionally required patience, but this one is set for drinking now and over the next 20 years.
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The dark ruby-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa exhibits abundant aromas of earthy, berry fruit intermixed with black currants, tobacco leaf and spice. Enjoy this medium-bodied, supple, seductive Cabernet over the next 7-10 years.
Some time ago Bo Barrett and his dad, Jim, decided that they needed to produce a less expensive, more supple textured Cabernet Sauvignon for consumers and restaurants looking for immediate gratification. That goal has been met very nicely by their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, which is blended with some Merlot. All the fruit comes from the Calistoga appellation.
Robert Parker, Dec. 2010
Wine Enthusiast
There's some bitterness in this young Cab, enough to interfere with the blackberry and cherry-herb fruit. Tastes very dry, with puckery-astringent tannins. It's quite a good, rich wine, in a rustic way, and should age for some time, but lacks an essential richness. Score: 87 - Steve Heimoff, March 2010.
