Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (75cl, 13.8%)

A Bordeaux-style Napa Valley red blend from Chateau Montelena, made from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot and aged for 16 months in French and Eastern European oak, with 26% new barrels. The estate was established in 1882 in Calistoga, at the northern end of Napa Valley, and its 1973 Chardonnay triumphed at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The wine is bottled at 13.8% ABV in a 750ml bottle. On the nose there are fresh blueberry and blackberry pie, cassis, dried cherry, tobacco, cedar and a touch of perfume. The palate is dense and chewy, with bright red fruit, cocoa, espresso bean, black pepper, blackberry and muddled mint, plus tart raspberry and strawberry jam. The finish is long and layered, with silky, plush tannins and notes of chocolate, lavender, spice and leather.