WTN: '04 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

[David M. Bueker]

2004 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate
It is really hard to think about my remaining half-bottles and not want to drink them up. I know Montelena is an ager, but this wine is so delicious now that I really cannot resist. It's very fruity, but that fruit is well mannered and balanced. There's tannin, but the wine is plush enough to keep the tannins from drying at all. Overall it's just a joy to drink even if it has a lot of upside potential.

Sounds wonderful. I have a friend who loves Montelena and I've been to several Montelena dinners at his house. My novice percpetion is that the newer vintages are made in a different style that doesn't require 25 years in the cellar.

I have none of this in my cellar yet.. will have to remedy that.. I am a fan of Montelena Estate no matter what the year..

Timely note, David and also from Tom T. I was slightly disappointed in a 1999 Chateau Montelena C.S. Estate that I opened last January. I also have two from 2004 and thought I should age them another four years but it sounds as if they could be enjoyed either now or later.

[Jenise]

The 80s and early 90s wines are lovely now. The style since then has, I believe, changed for the lighter. Sic transit gloria vinum.

[David M. Bueker]

Well the '06 is one heck of a beast, so not everything has changed.