2004 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate Calistoga

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 94 points

Previously recommended, but no tasting note given.Chateau Montelenas sale to the owners of Bordeauxs well-known second-growth, Chateau Cos dEstournel, fell through, no doubt because of the global economic crisis. It was unquestionably shocking that this Napa icon was on the block, and about to be sold to, of all people, the French, who Montelena had defeated in the famous Steven Spurrier tasting of 1976. Tasting through the wines with the ever reliable Bo Barrett is always a lesson in candor and honesty. Montelenas negociant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, from northern vineyards in the Calistoga area, is meant to represent a Montelena house style, but it is much softer and less ageworthy, thus is the ideal restaurant/steakhouse wine.Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221

Review Date: December 2008