1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga Cuvée
Add to cellarStyle: Red
Region: United States >California
Winemaker's Notes
There is the trademark Montelena earthy, berry fruit, smoky and rich with many subtleties. On the palate it has a big juicy front, a very full texture and many layers of flavors in a rich cross section of fruit and terroir. "Dense black with a crimson rim. Complex scents of black cherry, mocha and wintergreen with secondary nuances of animal fur and barnyard. Big, refined tannins and ripe flavors of blackberry and black cherry. Hints of leather and tea in the black cherry-driven close." 90 Points...
Expert Reviews
International Wine Cellar
93
Rating: 93(+?) - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 90, May/June 2000 Good deep medium ruby. Very complex nose combines cassis, black cherry, plum, smoked meat, dark chocolate, Cuban tobacco and a hint of menthol. Youthfully unevolved and primary yet broad and pliant; offers impressive texture and stuffing for a young Montelena cabernet. Superripe hints of smoked meat and leather. Finishes with very lush tannins and strong dark berry flavor. The pH here is high... Read more
CellarTracker Community Tasting Notes
90
Community Tasting Notes (average 89.8 pts. and median of 89 pts. in 6 notes) Read more
Robert Parker
98
Rating: 98/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 132 Read more
Wine Advocate
94
Rating: (92-96) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 120 on Dec-98 Read more
Wine Spectator
95
Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 10/31/00 Read more
Wine News
90
Read more
Rating for United States-California: 94 (slightly better than average year)
Drinkability: unpredictable