TNS: 2003 Montelena Estate Cabernet & 2007 Ridge Geyserville

WINE TALK
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2003 Montelena Estate
Popped and poured and decided this was ready to go out of the gate. Completely open for business and the oak was nearly integrated already. Mouthwatering aromas of chocolate/cocoa and red fruits, florals and rocks/minerals. After several hours, tightened up a little, but I was surprised at how tame the tannins were. Seemed a very forward and graceful wine, reminds me of 2001 Monte Bello - which had me searching for the grape component percentages, seemed like there could be a lot of merlot in the mix. Elegant and refined rather than powerful and brutish.

2007 Ridge Geyserville
Tons of asian spice here, throw in pepper and touch of banana I almost always get in young Geyservilles. Viscous at first, but aeration somehow lets the acidity shine through - the wine, while large-scaled right now (18% petite probably doesnt hurt) ended up pretty lithe, lots of class bottled up here. I wouldnt be surprised if this still drinks great 30 years from now.

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Thanks for the notes on the 07’ Ridge Geyserville. It’s one of the few purchases I’ve made in NH in quite a while at @$30/btle on sale.

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It as been a minute since the OP, but I am sipping on the 2003 Monty after enjoying most of the bottle with some dry-aged steak. The wine is still youthful, but it has no hard edges. I get the mocha notes from the OP in a sort of subtle, chocolate-covered-cherry way, but the prominent note is pencil lead. This is a classic, “Old School” Cal Cab, and it is in a great place now. No need to hurry, though.

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Thank you for the great notes!

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In the last week we’ve opened a 2004 and 2005 Montelena Estate. The 2004 was purchased from Winebid as a birthyear wine for my son and was very tired. The 2005 was purchased directly from the winery on futures and was still youthful but extremely enjoyable.

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Looks like 98% CS, 2% CF