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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA


 
I had the opportunity to enjoy this great wine in a restaurant, without the mark up. Actually without corkage fee as well, while dining at Le Steak Frites in Montreal. This restaurant does not sell alcohol but does allow patrons to bring their own wine.  This wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, maturation taking place in French and Eastern European oak (14%) and alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.8%.
This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, plum, clove/vanilla spice, leather, smoky and espresso notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, rich and concentrated flavours and texture yet well balanced by good acidity and firm but not overbearing tannins. The length is very good on the finish with dark fruit flavours, spicy, smoky and silky tannins lingering. In a cool vintage, this 2009 managed to achieve both power and elegance, a solid, robust Cabernet yet approachable in its youth or cellar 4-5 years. More French in its style than California, very enjoyable, score 91 points.
Purchased October 25, 2012 at the SAQ in Montreal (897454) at $52.50

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