Claire and I are heading off to Oxford University tomorrow to present the highly esteemed Napa estate Chateau Montelena to their Wine Circle. In anticipation, this afternoon we cracked open the wines we will taste for everyone to compare the different vintages. This is a truly remarkable estate and the quality is very high. Here are my tasting notes:
Ch. Montelena Chardonnay 2009
A fresh and delicate nose with peach and citrus fruit aromas. The palate is intense, medium bodied and tropical with nectarine and lemon peel on the finish. This is an elegant wine with a long refreshing finish.
Ch. Montelena Chardonnay 2007
Fuller and richer with lots of tropical fruit on the nose and palate with a toasty, butterscotch character that lingers long onto the finish.
Ch. Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Ripe, upfront fruit on the nose of ripe black cherries. The mouth feel is deliciously smooth, offering blackberries, earth, chocolate and spice wrapped up in ripe tannins.
Ch. Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Soft and round in character with darker berry fruit but less intensity than the 2008. The palate is savoury and earthy with herbal tones on the finish.
Ch. Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Intense and fragrant on the nose, offering blackberries and black cherries that follow onto a rich and intense palate. Cassis, tobacco and an earthy depth join the palate with a powerful toasty finish.
Ch. Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Developing characters of overripe strawberries and tobacco on the nose with a minty freshness. The mouth feel is rich and smooth with blackcurrants, leather, tobacco, chocolate and a spicy, stalky character on the finish, balanced with fresh acidity. Still lots of intensity and very ripe tannins that will develop further over the next 30 years.
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