Vintage 2008

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Château Montelena

Product Code: ML1008RC

Tasting Notes

Youthful, rich nose with classic Napa Cabernet aromas. currant, black cherry and menthol. Some subtle wood and spice notes add complexity. Dry, broad and structured on the palate with cherry, cassis, liquorice and herbs with ripe tannins and supple texture. Long and flavoursome in the finish. NOSE 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. PALATE e palate is quite energetic with bright red fruit, plenty of acidity, and ample texture. e breadth of flavor is on display here as this vintage rewarded precision over power. at translates to extremely fine grain tannins and a laser focus on earth and minerality in addition to fresh plum and dried strawberry. is is truly a wine of place, reflecting the genuine character of the 2008 growing season and the Montelena Estate. FINISH e earthy texture peaks during the finish but never overshadows the dried cherry and tobacco notes, which slowly rise to the forefront. e 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

Profile

Cabernet Sauvignon
14
UNITED STATES
3
Cork
Chateau Montelena
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            [Description] => Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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            [Notes1] => Youthful, rich nose with classic Napa Cabernet aromas. currant, black cherry and menthol. Some subtle wood and spice notes add complexity. Dry, broad and structured on the palate with cherry, cassis, liquorice and herbs with ripe tannins and supple texture. Long and flavoursome in the finish.


NOSE
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. 
PALATE
e palate is quite energetic with 
bright red fruit, plenty of acidity, 
and ample texture. e breadth of 
flavor is on display here as this vintage
rewarded precision over power. at
translates to extremely fine grain 
tannins and a laser focus on earth 
and minerality in addition to fresh 
plum and dried strawberry. is is 
truly a wine of place, reflecting the 
genuine character of the 2008 growing
season and the Montelena Estate. 
FINISH
e earthy texture peaks during 
the finish but never overshadows 
the dried cherry and tobacco notes, 
which slowly rise to the forefront. 
e 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
            [Notes2] => This historic 100 hectare property lies 3.5 kilometres north of Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides. 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. Sustainable farming is practised  avoiding the use of any chemical fertilisers. Instead organic chicken manure and compost made with the previous season`s pomace - seeds, stems and grape skins left after crushing is used. Ladybirds are used to combat unwanted pests, and light ploughing is done to keep the vineyard clean and free from weeds. Harvesting is carried out at night to preserve the fruit.
            [Notes3] => 
            [Notes4] => Youthful, rich nose with classic Napa Cabernet aromas. currant, black cherry and menthol. Some subtle wood and spice notes add complexity. Dry, broad and structured on the palate with cherry, cassis, liquorice and herbs with ripe tannins and supple texture. Long and flavoursome in the finish.
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            [WineMakingNotes] => Some years Mother Nature throws you a curve ball, but with years of practice and experience you can see that slider coming and
still connect for a home run. 2008 was one of those years where everything seemed to conspire to make life difficult here in the 
Napa Valley.
VINTAGE WEATHER
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.
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                    [Notes1] => In 1972 Jim Barrett, son of a Waterford immigrant, purchased the 
historic 100 hectare property which lies 3.5 kilometres north of 
Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a 
complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides and in 2010 was given its own AVA (American Viticultural Area) as a recognition of its uniqueness. Under Jim Barrett’s guidance the château’s vineyards were replanted and a modern winery was installed and in 1976 his vision was rewarded by winning the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ when his Chardonnay beat 4 white Burgundies and five other Californian Chardonnays in a blind tasting that rocked the wine world. Today, Jim’s son, Bo, is at the helm and he has continued the tradition of making elegantly styled wines, both white and red.
                    [Notes2] => 
                    [Notes3] => Napa Valley, California
                    [Notes4] => One of the world`s finest estates, chateau montelena produced the winning white wine in the infamous ‘judgement of paris` tasting of 1976. now known as much for reds as for their whites, montelena is undoubtedly one of napa valley`s finest ambassadors and one of the world’s great producers.  “no other winery i know of has such an unbroken track record for making world class wines year after year.” – robert parker
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                    [Notes1] => In 1972 Jim Barrett, son of a Waterford immigrant, purchased the 
historic 100 hectare property which lies 3.5 kilometres north of 
Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a 
complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides and in 2010 was given its own AVA (American Viticultural Area) as a recognition of its uniqueness. Under Jim Barrett’s guidance the château’s vineyards were replanted and a modern winery was installed and in 1976 his vision was rewarded by winning the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ when his Chardonnay beat 4 white Burgundies and five other Californian Chardonnays in a blind tasting that rocked the wine world. Today, Jim’s son, Bo, is at the helm and he has continued the tradition of making elegantly styled wines, both white and red.
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                    [Notes4] => One of the world`s finest estates, chateau montelena produced the winning white wine in the infamous ‘judgement of paris` tasting of 1976. now known as much for reds as for their whites, montelena is undoubtedly one of napa valley`s finest ambassadors and one of the world’s great producers.  “no other winery i know of has such an unbroken track record for making world class wines year after year.” – robert parker
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                    [Notes1] => In 1972 Jim Barrett, son of a Waterford immigrant, purchased the 
historic 100 hectare property which lies 3.5 kilometres north of 
Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a 
complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides and in 2010 was given its own AVA (American Viticultural Area) as a recognition of its uniqueness. Under Jim Barrett’s guidance the château’s vineyards were replanted and a modern winery was installed and in 1976 his vision was rewarded by winning the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ when his Chardonnay beat 4 white Burgundies and five other Californian Chardonnays in a blind tasting that rocked the wine world. Today, Jim’s son, Bo, is at the helm and he has continued the tradition of making elegantly styled wines, both white and red.
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                    [Fax] =>  
                    [Email] =>  
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                    [Notes1] => In 1972 Jim Barrett, son of a Waterford immigrant, purchased the 
historic 100 hectare property which lies 3.5 kilometres north of 
Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a 
complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides and in 2010 was given its own AVA (American Viticultural Area) as a recognition of its uniqueness. Under Jim Barrett’s guidance the château’s vineyards were replanted and a modern winery was installed and in 1976 his vision was rewarded by winning the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ when his Chardonnay beat 4 white Burgundies and five other Californian Chardonnays in a blind tasting that rocked the wine world. Today, Jim’s son, Bo, is at the helm and he has continued the tradition of making elegantly styled wines, both white and red.
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                    [Notes4] => One of the world`s finest estates, chateau montelena produced the winning white wine in the infamous ‘judgement of paris` tasting of 1976. now known as much for reds as for their whites, montelena is undoubtedly one of napa valley`s finest ambassadors and one of the world’s great producers.  “no other winery i know of has such an unbroken track record for making world class wines year after year.” – robert parker
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VeganVegetarian

About this product +

Viticulture >

This historic 100 hectare property lies 3.5 kilometres north of Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides. 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. Sustainable farming is practised avoiding the use of any chemical fertilisers. Instead organic chicken manure and compost made with the previous season`s pomace - seeds, stems and grape skins left after crushing is used. Ladybirds are used to combat unwanted pests, and light ploughing is done to keep the vineyard clean and free from weeds. Harvesting is carried out at night to preserve the fruit.

Winemaking >

Some years Mother Nature throws you a curve ball, but with years of practice and experience you can see that slider coming and still connect for a home run. 2008 was one of those years where everything seemed to conspire to make life difficult here in the Napa Valley. VINTAGE WEATHER 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.

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