No Products in the Cart
Cabernet Sauvignon · North Coast
94+ points from Robert Parker.
“A big wine from the Barrett family (14.2% alcohol), this 2003 exhibits earthy black currant fruit, the restrained but intense Montelena style, full body, good richness and impeccable balance, purity and density. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple and the wine shows lots of cassis. In spite of the restrained aromatics, the palate is rich, full-bodied, substantial and persuasive. This 2003 is approachable now, but it will be even more gorgeous 15, 20 and 25 years from now. This is a heritage wine from this great estate in northern Napa Valley.”
Every detail we hold on this bottle, in one place, so you know exactly what is going into your cellar.
Chateau Montelena is one of the most prominent Napa Valley wineries. It was directly associated with bringing international recognition to the California wine industry through the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Based in Calistoga, it is famous for its varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.
Chateau Montelena's real success came in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, where its 1973 Chardonnay was deemed the best of a lineup of top wines from California and France. The top red wine, the Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, was also from California.
The victory upset the French dominance of the wine industry, catapulting California producers onto the international stage, and opening the door for New World producers. The tasting was covered in Time magazine by George Taber, who went on to write a book about it titled Judgment of Paris, which in turn inspired the 2008 movie "Bottle Shock."
Despite its claim to fame with Chardonnay, the flagship wine of Chateau Montelena has actually been its Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. It was born in the early 1980s, when the estate vines had matured enough to start producing quality fruit. After fermentation in stainless steel, it is barrel-aged in a series of tunnels and caves beneath the winery for up to 22 months.
One bottle, 3000 ml, of the 2003 vintage.
Local pickup is by appointment only. If you choose pickup at checkout, please email leo@cultwine.com to schedule your pickup.
Montelena Chateau.
Yes. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.
Looking for a specific bottle, vintage, or large format? Tell us what you're after, and a CultWine specialist will personally track it down for you. Request a wine or call 1 877 285.8946.
Can't find it? We'll find it. A CultWine specialist will personally track down the bottle you're after.
