1993 Montelena Estate Cabernet
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 3:44 pm
Long time fan of this estate. One of the few California wines that has kept true to its founding roots. Montelena, Dunn and Togni are the only California wines that I buy other than Ridge Geyserville, of course
On to the wine....last of the 93's.
Cork needed the Durand. Popped and poured. Beautiful bricked translucent rim deepening into a dark garnet core. Funky at first so I left the glass for an hour. Opened the 2020 Louis Michel Chablis Montee de Tonnerre which was quite good; albeit a fatter and riper rendition, but still very "chablis". Upon return, it was clearly still absorbing oxygen so I left it for another 30 minutes. I probably should have used the Andouze method.
The steak was ready so I waded in. Graphite, red cherry and earthy loam dominate the nose. A wee bit of herbs in the background add complexity. Very captivating and total different now with some air. Initially, I thought this was a dud. I love it when a wine tricks you like that...my motto is never give up on an older wine! The palate follows the nose with pencil shavings, bright red cherry and dusty loam. A little saline quality peaks through with a sneaky herbal flavor. Nice lengthy finish. Equating this wine to a Bordeaux wouldn't be right because this wine represents California in the best possible way. Still, even in an off vintage like 1993, Bo Barrett creates magic like all great winemakers do. Paired so well with the meal....ripe, mature, cleansing acidity, resolved tannins and a joy to drink. Why I purchase and cellar wine! A **** plus effort.
On to the wine....last of the 93's.
Cork needed the Durand. Popped and poured. Beautiful bricked translucent rim deepening into a dark garnet core. Funky at first so I left the glass for an hour. Opened the 2020 Louis Michel Chablis Montee de Tonnerre which was quite good; albeit a fatter and riper rendition, but still very "chablis". Upon return, it was clearly still absorbing oxygen so I left it for another 30 minutes. I probably should have used the Andouze method.
The steak was ready so I waded in. Graphite, red cherry and earthy loam dominate the nose. A wee bit of herbs in the background add complexity. Very captivating and total different now with some air. Initially, I thought this was a dud. I love it when a wine tricks you like that...my motto is never give up on an older wine! The palate follows the nose with pencil shavings, bright red cherry and dusty loam. A little saline quality peaks through with a sneaky herbal flavor. Nice lengthy finish. Equating this wine to a Bordeaux wouldn't be right because this wine represents California in the best possible way. Still, even in an off vintage like 1993, Bo Barrett creates magic like all great winemakers do. Paired so well with the meal....ripe, mature, cleansing acidity, resolved tannins and a joy to drink. Why I purchase and cellar wine! A **** plus effort.