Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions_australia sandalwood

sandalwood

resulting in an exquisite and structured wine with a focus on terroir

Some rather appealing graphite on the nose

but it does so minus that delicate floral embroidery that comes forth with such delight in 2013

It was particularly closed on the first pours

Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions_australia sandalwoodGood deep red. Red berries, pungent herbs, menthol and cedary oak on the nose. Brisk and tightly wound, with edgy flavors of cherry syrup and rhubarb. The tannins are a bit dry but hit the palate late, allowing the red fruit flavors to express themselves on the back. Shows a slight overripe underripe character but I would not be at all surprised if this wine came into better harmony with another year or two of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer