By Chateau Montelena
2018 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Background
We believe our sense of stewardship and a healthy, long-term perspective have been essential to Montelena's success over the past 50 years. The Estate Vineyard, situated adjacent to the Chateau at the base of Mount St. Helena, profoundly embodies that outlook. From the beginning, the focus has been on farming the right way instead of the convenient way. The right way takes time. The right way demands continuous investment. The right way encourages learning, adaptation, and improvement. Most importantly, while the right way is always an option, it's rarely the most convenient one for many wineries. But decades of careful attention, good decision-making, and a focus on vineyard health have aligned what's best for the soil, best for the wine, and yes, best for this family farm. Even though the right way isn't always the most expedient, it's the only option we consider. This is Montelena at its best.

Vintage
What's not to like about the weather in 2018? The late spring rains in March and April were very productive, and the vines responded with plentiful growth into summer. Unusually low nighttime temperatures coupled with warm to hot days magnified the acidity in the fruit, creating an elegant structure for extending aging rather than overtly jammy flavor. Harvest was slow and methodical as subtle variations in soil and sun exposure magnified the typically nuanced differences in ripening and maturation.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Fresh and lively, the wine opens effusively with raspberry, mint, and plum sauce. The baking spices soon follow, leaning clove initially but with plenty of cedar and vanilla. Still subtle, the ripe fruit elements, mostly cassis and fig at this stage, lurk beneath the surface along with beautiful hints of graphite and toasted sage, awaiting additional time in the glass.
Palate: Still very tightly wound, the texture and mouthfeel drive the palate initially. The tannins, in particular, are somewhat coarse but not so angular as to overshadow the abundant dark fruit. The dynamic tension on the midpalate focuses and magnifies the layers of black cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper before turning slightly earthy and dusty. The structure is pronounced but still harmonious and well-defined.
Finish: In the transition to the finish, the acidity materializes in an almost candy-like fashion, a beautiful contrast to the supple tannins. Here, the wine's density shines elegantly and is well balanced between smoky espresso beans and delicate, dried blackberry. The latter defines the finish at this moment, persistent in length and depth.

Technical Details
Harvest Dates: September 20 - October 25
Alcohol: 14.20%
Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 22 months in 100% French oak, 40% new
Bottling Date: August 2020
Winemaker: Matt Crafton
[Information provided by Chateau Montelena]

Wine: Chateau Montelena, The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 2018
Score/Rating: 97
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038
Review Date: 01/22/2026
Reviewed By: Jonathan Cristaldi
Tasting Notes: There’s an enticing richness here, with fragrant aromatics of spiced dark plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit, layered with loamy earth and dried violet. The palate is framed by elegant cedar wood notes and ultra-fine tannins that are already well integrated. The finish carries a dark cocoa note and a touch of savoury salinity. Compact and coiled, this would benefit from a period of rest before the real fireworks begin.

Wine: Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2018
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: 2028 - 2043
Review Date: 10/2022
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni 
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is impressive. Elegant and poised, the 2018 is a wine of reserve at this stage. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, mint, sage, spice, mocha and dried flowers open first, followed by a kick of vibrant acids that lends notable energy throughout. All this young Cabernet needs is time in the bottle to fully come together. I won't be surprised if it turns out to be a touch more compelling than the 2019 tasted alongside it. Truth be told, both vintages are captivating, but for very different reasons. Superb. 

Wine: 2018 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
Score/Rating: 94+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2045
Review Date: 03/31/2023
Reviewed By: Joe Czerwinski
Tasting Notes: The current-release 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (soon to be supplanted by the 2019) takes a base of ripe cherries and redcurrants, then accents them with delicate herbal-floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, restrained in the classic mold, silky and elegant, with a long, dusty finish tinged with lingering hints of menthol.