1999 Château Montelena "Estate" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2009 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is ultra-ripe and stylish. Rich black cherry and blackberry fruit are surrounded by milk chocolate, herbs and mineral. Finishes with smooth, plush tannins with excellent length and complexity. (JD)

The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (an 8,600-case cuvee made from yields of 1.98 tons of fruit per acre) is considered by Bo Barrett to be a 'great' year. The wine boasts a saturated inky/purple color as well as extraordinary density of fruit and cassis, and huge tannin, body, and extract. It is a substantial, palate-staining, long, muscular Cabernet that should only be purchased by connoisseurs with cold cellars as well as patience. (RP)