Montelena Vertical

We had a wonderful evening of stimulating conversation, a great dinner and some impressive wines.

The '99 Estate Cabernet started things off. Still a vibrant color, deep cassis with fresh soil, cedar and a light floral note on the nose, layered and complex. Ripe red fruit, blueberries and a hint of green peppercorns on the palate with fine tannins and perfectly balanced acidity. Medium bodied with a long gently tapering and focused finish. This was a beautiful wine approaching it's prime.

Second up was the '01 Estate Cabernet. Ruby color with a brick edge. Red fruit, leather and light vanilla on the nose. Medium bodied with firm tannins, food appropriate acidity and a solid finish.....five years away from maturity, this wine will develop and shine.

The third pour was the '01 Napa Valley Cabernet. Intense color, big fruit nose of cranberry, cherry, cassis and a slight licorice component. Medium bodied with noticably present alcohol on the back of the palate. Pronounced acidity and frisky tannins, slightly out of balance with a shorter finish. Still pleasant but not in the league with the estate Cabs.

Next was the '02 Estate Cabernet. Deep pure color, Cassis, mushroom, leather, cedar and light vanilla on the nose...the oak is very much in check. Full bodied with concentrated pure fruit on the palate and nose. Long finish, refined tannins, balanced acidity.....this is a big wine with grace and control.

The fifth pour was the '03 Estate Cabernet. This one was a little hard to judge, young and a bit closed down right now. Solid tannins, crisp acidity, well crafted out of a tricky vintage....will come back to this one in a few years.

We finished with the '04 Napa Valley Cabernet. Simple nose of plum and rasin. Slightly tart with a mid palate that drops out and pops back to a short finish. The least impressive wine of the night.

My personal favorite of the night was the '02 but opinions varied significantly with each wine of the evening getting at least one first place vote.