- 2011 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga (10/1/2024)
From my late father’s cellar, and the six pack was unopened when I brought it home. Gave a bottle to a friend, and this was the first one I tried. Lots of negative commentary about 2011 Napa Cabernet over the years, but this shows none of the issues. It still has a touch of modern Napa ripeness, but the vintage conditions keeps things moderate to classic in style. Dark berry fruit, moderately firm tannins, and a hint of green tobacco on the finish make a happy blend of old and new school Napa. I generally hesitate with 2011 wines from Northern California, but no issues here. Drink sometime from 2030-2045.
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2011 Napa gets a bad rap. I’ve had consistently good wines from the vintage.
Glad this didn’t go into the crypt thread.
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Crypt thread gets revived in a few weeks.
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It surprises me you have tended to dislike 2011 Northern Cal. I’ve generally really enjoyed the effect of the cool vintage on cab, pinot, zin, Chardonnay, all of it.
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My dislike is focused on Pinot Noir and Syrah which have generally disgusted me.
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