WINE =======: 1996 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
AOC         : Napa Valley
Tasting Date: 2005-10-22
Varietal    : Cabernet
Score       : 91-92
Country     : USA
State       : CA
Region      : Calistoga

Notes
-----
Ruby color with pink to watermelon edges; nose of red
currant, minerals, tar, mild cigar smoke, hint of fig and
some dried cherries.  This was a very tasty and drinkable
wine; not sure if it will improve dramatically with age.

Production Notes
----------------
A mild winter, untimely spring rains and intense summer heat
resulted in low vineyard yields. The weather during Harvest
was cool, allowing the small crop to ripen slowly. This
resulted in a long ripening period which intensified the
grape's flavors and terroir compounds. Harvest: Sep 10-Oct
10; Bottled: Aug 1998 (10,500 cases); Released: March 2000

Additional Notes
----------------
This was part of a ten-year (85,89,90,95,96,97,99,00,01,02) vertical
tasting at the California Grill, Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World in
association with Chateau Montelena and the Epcot Food and Wine Festival,
2005.

Reviewer Note: This vertical was tasted in chronological order (from oldest
to most recent vintage) at the request of the hosts, which included
representatives from Chateau Montelena.
Output generated by La Wine Club - http://LaWineClub.com/
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