Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Size:12x750ml 7 ha holding of 35

7 ha holding of 35 to 40-year-old vines)

Somewhat surprisingly this appears to be even riper than the Clos de Bèze with its mocha-infused nose of plum

This more obviously structured effort is almost delicate at present though I suspect that the mid-palate will further flesh out with bottle age

In any event

Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Size:12x750ml 7 ha holding of 35Good deep red. Red berries, pungent herbs, menthol and cedary oak on the nose. Brisk and tightly wound, with edgy flavors of cherry syrup and rhubarb. The tannins are a bit dry but hit the palate late, allowing the red fruit flavors to express themselves on the back. Shows a slight overripe underripe character but I would not be at all surprised if this wine came into better harmony with another year or two of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer