Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2019 (75cl, 14.2%)

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2019 is an estate-grown Napa Valley Cabernet from Calistoga, California. Chateau Montelena gained international fame at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when its 1973 Chardonnay defeated top Burgundy wines in a blind tasting. The 2019 was aged 22 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new, then further aged in bottle at the winery's cellars. The blend is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, all from 100% estate fruit that is sustainably farmed. The nose shows mixed currants, fresh blueberries, blackberry pie, cassis, dark chocolate, dried cherry and muddled mint. The palate is medium to full-bodied with richness, crushed stones, earthen minerality, dark fruit, chocolate, lavender and baking spice, wrapped in silky, plush tannins. The finish is long and mouthwatering, with leather, cocoa, dark berries and a fine mineral thread.