The 2003 Montelena Napa Valley Estate Cabernet 750 ml is from the Napa Valley region of California.
A big wine from the Barrett family (14.2% alcohol), this 2003 exhibits earthy black currant fruit, the restrained but intense Montelena style, full body, good richness and impeccable balance, purity and density. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple and the wine shows lots of cassis. In spite of the restrained aromatics, the palate is rich, full-bodied, substantial and persuasive. This 2003 is approachable now, but it will be even more gorgeous 15, 20 and 25 years from now. This is a heritage wine from this great estate in northern Napa Valley. - WA, RP (6/2013)
Firm and dry, this is marked by chewy tannins. The core currant, pencil lead and dusty berry flavors are well-focused and long on the finish. The tannic strength and dryness are my major concerns. Decant. The best of two bottles tasted. Drink now through 2013. 12,000 cases made. — JL (10/2007)
Bright ruby-red. Sweet aromas of black cherry, flowers, menthol and creosote. Supple, sweet and fine-grained, though not especially nuanced for this wine. Strong note of chocolate. Finishes with a fairly fine dusting of tannins and lingering notes of cherry and licorice. This seems a bit less vibrant than it was from barrel a year ago. Barrett noted that the December 25 bottling date was quite late for this wine, and my sample had not yet recovered.- Stephen Tanzer (5/26)
Producer: Montelena
Vintage: 2003
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: USA
Region: CA - North Coast (Napa,Sonoma)
Sub-Region: Napa
Appellation: Napa Valley
Sub-Appellation:
SKU: #
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