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The November 2013 Internet-Only Auction Part 2
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Lot 601
Estimate: $150
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
95RP
"I can think of only three wineries that were making fabulous Cabernet Sauvignons in 1973 that have continued to produce great wines, with no qualitative slumps through 1995 - Caymus Vineyard, Ridge, and Chateau Montelena. Because Chateau Montelena is "old" by California standards, it is easy to overlook the extraordinary wines produced by Jim Barrett and his son, Bo. Remarkably, there is not a bad vintage of Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon to be found. While hitting the peaks in top years, this winery makes fine Cabernets in vintages where other producers flounder . . . . For that reason, an invitation to a vertical tasting of Chateau Montelena's estate Cabernet is one of the most exciting tickets in town. The new vintages of Montelena continue to reflect the fact that this winery has never lost sight of its goal - to make . . . wines from physiologically ripe fruit . . . . The new and up-coming releases are once again top flight, exceptional wines that make Chateau Montelena the Cal Ripken of Cabernet producers. They have been consistently excellent over an unprecedented period of time - by California standards . . . . The 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is slightly richer than the 1993. There is an extra line on its label honoring Chateau Montelena's 20th Cabernet Sauvignon vintage (1972-1992). The wine's opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet, jammy nose of black fruit and minerals, huge body, a sweet inner-core of ripe fruit, and a long, low acid, opulent finish. Rich and full, this Cabernet is destined for . . . gorgeous drinking."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"I can think of only three wineries that were making fabulous Cabernet Sauvignons in 1973 that have continued to produce great wines, with no qualitative slumps through 1995 - Caymus Vineyard, Ridge, and Chateau Montelena. Because Chateau Montelena is "old" by California standards, it is easy to overlook the extraordinary wines produced by Jim Barrett and his son, Bo. Remarkably, there is not a bad vintage of Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon to be found. While hitting the peaks in top years, this winery makes fine Cabernets in vintages where other producers flounder . . . . For that reason, an invitation to a vertical tasting of Chateau Montelena's estate Cabernet is one of the most exciting tickets in town. The new vintages of Montelena continue to reflect the fact that this winery has never lost sight of its goal - to make . . . wines from physiologically ripe fruit . . . . The new and up-coming releases are once again top flight, exceptional wines that make Chateau Montelena the Cal Ripken of Cabernet producers. They have been consistently excellent over an unprecedented period of time - by California standards . . . . The 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is slightly richer than the 1993. There is an extra line on its label honoring Chateau Montelena's 20th Cabernet Sauvignon vintage (1972-1992). The wine's opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet, jammy nose of black fruit and minerals, huge body, a sweet inner-core of ripe fruit, and a long, low acid, opulent finish. Rich and full, this Cabernet is destined for . . . gorgeous drinking."
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The fourth-largest wine producer in the world, led by California. American fine wine is defined by ripe, expressive fruit and a spirit of innovation, with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon among the most sought-after wines globally.
California's most prestigious wine region, celebrated worldwide for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Diverse soils and mountain-to-valley-floor sites yield wines of remarkable ripeness, power and longevity.
California's flagship appellation for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon of ripe fruit, plush tannins and cellar-worthy depth.