Established in 1882 by California entrepreneur Alfred Tubbs, the modern-day Chateau Montelena Winery has been owned and operated by the Barrett family since 1972. In 1976, Chateau Montelena helped put California at the forefront of the wine world when a who’s-who of the French wine and food establishment rated the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay above all other white wines in a blind tasting, convinced that this wine was one of their own. These results proved that Chateau Montelena could produce some of the world’s finest wines, and that California’s wine industry had come of age. Decades later, Chateau Montelena remains committed to producing world class wines with the Barrett family at the helm.
96+ Points Vinous
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is impressive. Elegant and poised, the 2018 is a wine of reserve at this stage. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, mint, sage, spice, mocha and dried flowers open first, followed by a kick of vibrant acids that lends notable energy throughout. All this young Cabernet needs is time in the bottle to fully come together. I won’t be surprised if it turns out to be a touch more compelling than the 2019 tasted alongside it. Truth be told, both vintages are captivating, but for very different reasons. Superb.