1994 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

Good dark red with virtually no sign of amber. A distinctly dark style of Montelena, conveying a medicinal cast to its aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice, violet and mint. Fresh, pure, juicy and penetrating but not hard, with its dark berry, black cherry, cedar and anise flavors displaying an element of rocky minerality--and less earthiness than most earlier vintages. This savory, classically dry wine will expand further with more cellaring (or give it some time in a decanter if you can't wait to open a bottle) and should last for another 20 years. This was the first vintage of the Chateau Montelena Estate that included a major contribution from vines on fractured volcanic bedrock planted north of the winery up the canyon in 1989 and 1990. According to Barrett, these vines are irrigated but the fruit shows similar chemistry in terms of pH to the vineyards closer to the winery, which are mostly on alluvial soil. A superb showing--and I suspect there's even more ahead for this wine. (13.5% alcohol)

Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, the 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers up relatively elegant black and red cherry compote, chocolate box and dried herbs notes with a waft of tilled soil. The medium-bodied palate features muscular fruit supported by firm tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on a savory note.