Very saturated deep ruby color. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, redcurrant, tobacco and tar; has great snap and freshness. Silky-sweet and velvety in the mouth, but with terrific vinosity. Given shape by a firm tannic spine, yet somehow seamless. An explosion of red berries in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Finishes with great sweetness and thoroughly suave tannins. A brilliant showing for this wine. Barrett says the '97 promises to have the same size as the '91.

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Montelena's incredible 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is an exceptional wine. It may be the most promising vintage among the bevy of Montelena Cabernets produced over the last two decades, rivaling even the winery's profound 1987. The 1991 is extremely closed and backward, and in need of 5-6 years of cellaring. The color is a dense, opaque purple. The nose offers up Chateau Montelena's tell-tale signature - abundant, pure aromas of cassis, minerals, and spicy oak. Full-bodied, spectacularly rich, and highly extracted, with moderate to high tannin, this is a youthful, exuberant, stunning example of blockbuster Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Its inner core of cassis fruit is something to savor! It should hit its peak around the turn of the century and last for 20 years thereafter. Don't miss it!

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Smooth, rich and intense without being overly tannic. The core of black cherry, anise, blackberry and currant flavors is well-focused, turning supple, with persistent flavors on the finish.--'81/'91 California Cabernet retrospective.

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