Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 - On the nose this wine exhibits blackberry jam, vanilla, and all spice leaps out of the glass yet gracefully yield to notes of dried plum, coffee bean, and perfume with some patience. It is deceptively soft up front with fresh strawberry and raspberry immediately apparent. These instantly give way though to density and concentration of flavor as the tannins and acidity come into focus. The finish is elegant and balanced with the aforementioned ripe flavors and textures of the vintage comingled with bright acid, cocoa, crème de menthe, and chalky minerality.
