There is so much perfume in this wine: fresh flowers and lavender are bolstered by ripe plum, sandalwood and cherry compote. There's also an incredibly appealing note of Earl Grey or bergamot that lifts the entire aromatic profile. Lingering behind the fruit is where the action starts as black pepper, vanilla, crushed rock and soy are revealed with patience.
The bright, zesty acidity of the vintage is immediately apparent as the fruit on the palate leans toward raspberry and cranberry, at least initially. They're followed by a rush of chalky, angular tannins that at first frame the acidity, but then serve to mellow it. Here, the fruit turns dark once again; but this time it expresses as blueberry jam and ripe blackberry before ushering in more savory notes of cedar and mint that are very characteristic of Montelena Cabernet. There is no doubt that this is a young wine that will need a few years of cellaring before coming into balance. That said, the freshness and purity of the vineyard character are very enticing, even at this stage.
As the palate softens, the finish begets more structure, present as espresso bean and cacao initially, but baking spices and a subtle sweetness after a few moments. The contrast between the soft fruit and texture is one of the amazing characteristics of this wine, which should continue to increase in depth and complexity over time.
Blend: 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc
