Saturated deep ruby-red. Redcurrant, tobacco, smoke and loam on the nose, plus a slight sweaty quality; showing the beginning of secondary aromas. Sweet, lush and spicy in the mouth, with lovely red berry fruit. Not especially complex but seamless and satisfying. Finishes quite long, with red fruit flavors and ripe tannins. I'd drink this over the next five years.

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The up-coming releases of the estate Cabernet Sauvignon (10,000-12,000 cases) are all outstanding wines. Personal preference will dictate which Cabernet Sauvignon readers will prefer. They all possess the tell-tale Montelena house style - huge fruit, massive body, great color, and fabulous ripeness. The 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is slightly richer than the 1993. There is an extra line on its label honoring Chateau Montelena's 20th Cabernet Sauvignon vintage (1972-1992). The wine's opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet, jammy nose of black fruit and minerals, huge body, a sweet inner-core of ripe fruit, and a long, low acid, opulent finish. Rich and full, this Cabernet is destined for 20+ years of gorgeous drinking.

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Firmly tannic, dark in color, with lively, chewy tannins wrapped around a solid core of earthy currant, anise, mineral and sage flavors. Classic Montelena in its structure and austerity, though not as complex as the best from this Napa estate.--'92 California Cabernet retrospective. 11,000 cases made.

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