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About Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena has produced wine in the Napa Valley for over 100 years. But only since 1972, when the Barret family took over management, has quality taken off. Overseeing the production of roughly 36,000 cases annually, winemaker Bo Barret produces classic, austere Cabernet Sauvignons as well as Zinfandels and Chardonnays.
1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (in double magnum)
Producer: Chateau Montelena
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: California
Region: Napa
91-94 Points | International Wine Cellar , May/June 1999
Deep ruby. Extremely primary, almost grapey aromas of cassis, black licorice and pungent oak, plus the floral note shown by many '97 cabernets. Fat, velvety and sweet, but with sound acidity contributing to an impression of firm structure. Concentrated, subtle and quite long, with sweet tannins. The yield was about three tons per acre-high for Montelena but very reasonable by North Coast standards in '97. Very strong potential.
