Robert Parker 90 points - The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to copious quantities of herbaceous-tinged cassis fruit, full body, ripe tannin, and a soft, plump personality. It will be accessible young, yet age for 10-15 years.
(Dec 2005)
The history of Chateau Montelena began on a chilly morning, when Alfred L. Tubbs spaded over soil where he planned to plant his vineyard. It took less than a decade to turn his dream into a reality. First he planted the vineyards. Then he built the Chateau. Tubbs family made some wine and sold grapes until the winery was sold in 1958. The next chapter began with the Renaissance of Chateau Montelena and the estate vineyard. Under the leadership of James Barrett in 1972 the wines were made for the first time. During the famous "Tasting of Paris" in 1976 the unthinkable happened, California wines out staged the French. Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world.
2006 Chateau Montelena is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The 2006 vintage went through two distinct phases, each with markedly different characteristics. The early phase was dominated by heat and intensity, while the second phase was much cooler in character. The first phase gave us concentration and firm tannins, while the second phase provided the grapes longer hang time and delivered fruit with a softer more elegant profile. Essentially it experienced the best of both worlds all in one vintage, thus yielding a complex and beautifully balanced wine.
