Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions_australia sandalwood

sandalwood

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

The wine covers the palate fully

While certainly a good effort I was somewhat under-whelmed given the usual standards this wine offers

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

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