Region: California
Sub Region: Napa Valley – Calistoga
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
Country: USA
Vintage: 2019
The Wine
Château Montelena’s Estate Cabernet is the flagship red from one of Napa Valley’s most historically important wineries. The estate vineyard lies north of Calistoga at the foot of Mount Saint Helena, combining old alluvial soils on the valley floor with fractured volcanic material on the higher hillside parcels.
The varied geology is central to the wine. Alluvial sections contribute breadth and classic Cabernet fruit, while the low-yielding volcanic slopes provide mineral structure and muscular tannins. Cold nights and afternoon air moving down from Mount Saint Helena help preserve acidity despite Calistoga’s warm daytime conditions.
The 2019 is approximately 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It matured for 22 months in French oak, 40% new—a restrained proportion by contemporary Napa standards. The season allowed slow, cohesive ripening, producing ripe fruit without sacrificing the classical structure and moderate alcohol associated with Montelena.
Dark currant, cherry, lavender, cedar and chocolate sit within a broad but disciplined palate, with firm acidity and long, mineral tannins suggesting decades of development.
Cellared Says
Montelena offers a very different expression from the glossy, heavily extracted end of Napa Cabernet. There is ample fruit and richness, but the wine remains grounded by acidity, savoury detail and a genuine expectation of long-term ageing. The 2019 is approachable enough to tempt now, although its real value will emerge after another decade. Near perfect scores means this should be in your cellar.
Reviews
“Bright red-toned fruits and dried wild herbs… crushed stones and earthen minerality.”
99 Points – Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
“Silky, plush tannins wrap around dark fruit, chocolate, lavender, spice and leather.”
96 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Mixed currants and cherries… rich, expansive and velvety, with a lingering, mouthwatering finish.”
96+ Points – Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate
Region: California
Sub Region: Napa Valley – Calistoga
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
Country: USA
Vintage: 2019
The Wine
Château Montelena’s Estate Cabernet is the flagship red from one of Napa Valley’s most historically important wineries. The estate vineyard lies north of Calistoga at the foot of Mount Saint Helena, combining old alluvial soils on the valley floor with fractured volcanic material on the higher hillside parcels.
The varied geology is central to the wine. Alluvial sections contribute breadth and classic Cabernet fruit, while the low-yielding volcanic slopes provide mineral structure and muscular tannins. Cold nights and afternoon air moving down from Mount Saint Helena help preserve acidity despite Calistoga’s warm daytime conditions.
The 2019 is approximately 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It matured for 22 months in French oak, 40% new—a restrained proportion by contemporary Napa standards. The season allowed slow, cohesive ripening, producing ripe fruit without sacrificing the classical structure and moderate alcohol associated with Montelena.
Dark currant, cherry, lavender, cedar and chocolate sit within a broad but disciplined palate, with firm acidity and long, mineral tannins suggesting decades of development.
Cellared Says
Montelena offers a very different expression from the glossy, heavily extracted end of Napa Cabernet. There is ample fruit and richness, but the wine remains grounded by acidity, savoury detail and a genuine expectation of long-term ageing. The 2019 is approachable enough to tempt now, although its real value will emerge after another decade. Near perfect scores means this should be in your cellar.
Reviews
“Bright red-toned fruits and dried wild herbs… crushed stones and earthen minerality.”
99 Points – Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
“Silky, plush tannins wrap around dark fruit, chocolate, lavender, spice and leather.”
96 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Mixed currants and cherries… rich, expansive and velvety, with a lingering, mouthwatering finish.”
96+ Points – Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate
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