Very good dark red. Dusty aromas of plum, leather, tobacco and woodsmoke. Sweet and supple, with decent richness and rather soft acidity. Slight lactic hint. Not especially concentrated (this vintage featured a huge crop here) but reasonably well balanced. Finishes with somewhat rustic tannins, yet the tannins hit the palate late. Bo Barrett first vintage, following the Jerry Luper years.

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There is something reassuring about seeing a bottle of Chateau Montelena. This classic, old Napa Valley winery is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but they can also fashion wonderful Chardonnay from the Alexander and Napa valleys.

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Very Bordeaux-like, earthy and minty, with a leathery aroma adding dimension to the core of currant. Quite rich for this difficult vintage.--Chateau Montelena vertical.

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Drank beautifully. Aged very well in magnum. Well balanced and solid finish.