Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions white flower and tidal pool

white flower and tidal pool hints that are also trimmed in enough wood and menthol characters to warrant noting them

honey and hazelnut complicated by suggestions of roasted herbs

round and delicious middle weight flavors possess lovely complexity on the sappy and persistent finish

the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino never feels overdone or too heavy

it was labeled as their traditional Chateauneuf du Pape up until 2005

Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions white flower and tidal poolGood deep red. Red berries, pungent herbs, menthol and cedary oak on the nose. Brisk and tightly wound, with edgy flavors of cherry syrup and rhubarb. The tannins are a bit dry but hit the palate late, allowing the red fruit flavors to express themselves on the back. Shows a slight overripe underripe character but I would not be at all surprised if this wine came into better harmony with another year or two of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer