Winery Notes
NOSE Dark garnet, nearly violet in the glass, the aromatic intensity of this wine is irresistible. Fresh berries and dried cherries comingle with bergamot, lavender, mint, gunpowder and sage without a single element dominating another.
PALATE Fresh and dynamic, with cranberry, cola and raspberry jam. e acidity is laser focused, the spine pulling the layers of flavor into harmony with the wine’s supple, yet dense, structure. e tannins here serve to elevate, not overwhelm, the kinetic balance of texture, ripeness and vineyard character.
FINISH Toasted hazelnut and vanilla emerge as the wine leans savory with mushroom, black pepper and cedar. e Merlot in the blend really shines here with rhubarb, cassis and velvety softness.
INTRODUCTION At its core, wine embodies the very best of optimism. Even amidst challenging times, the fundamental belief in a better future pervades the thoughts and actions of everyone involved from kicking bare dirt to pulling the cork. It drives the development of new vineyards, spurring years of sweat and investment before yielding a single berry. It sparks the imagination of winemakers, painting the picture of possibility, justifying vigilance and detail-driven focus. Moreover, it promises a reward for patience and hope. We’re regularly amazed by the stories of special bottles of Montelena, stashed away for years, destined for a single day and are incredibly happy to be part of that moment in time. It’s in that same vein of optimism, in looking forward, that we continue to hone our craft, improve our corner of the planet, support our community and bring joy through each bottle we share.
VINTAGE WEATHER A cool start to the growing season and late bloom in the vines seemed to portend a late, long growing season. But by June, the Napa Valley summer was in full swing. With a healthy crop, the vines weathered the heat, recharging each evening with cool breezes from the Pacific. Harvest was slow and steady, affording us the opportunity to be very selective in how and when the vines were picked. e result is a wide array of aromas, flavors and textures that seamlessly fuse into the character of this wine. Technical Information
HARVEST DATES September 13 – October 25
ALCOHOL 14.2%
BLEND 88% Cabernet Sauvignon 11% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc
BARREL AGING 16 months in French and Eastern European oak, 26% new
BOTTLING DATE April 2020 WINEMAKER Matt Crafton 1
