Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

This Cabernet has all of the markers of a great Montelena wine. The palate is bursting with a dynamic and seemingly haphazard array of fruit, acid and tannin, all tied together with fresh mint and graphite. Rest assured, all of these elements will settle into place over time. There’s a beautiful, almost velvety, softness from the Merlot that rounds off most of the coarse edges and lends refinement. Best of all, this wine is approachable now but will build complexity with time in glass. The baking spices really come into focus here along with notes of earth and toasted almond. The tannins are chalky, rather than angular, and roasted hazelnut complements the fresh raspberry and black tea. This is truly an elegant, restrained, food-friendly wine.

Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc